Ipswich has been awarded another coveted Purple Flag, recognising that the town is a safe place for a good night out.
Ipswich Borough Council, the Police, Ipswich Central and the licensed trade all work together to raise standards and improve people’s quality of life in the town centre and elsewhere in Ipswich.
Ipswich is the only town in Suffolk allowed to fly the Purple Flag, which was first awarded to Ipswich in 2012.
Councillor Neil MacDonald, Deputy Leader and Safer Ipswich portfolio-holder for the Borough Council, said: “This is excellent news and will help us to raise the profile of Ipswich as a safe place to enjoy, especially during the evening. This will, in turn, have a beneficial effect on the local economy and we are grateful to the licensed trade for their strong support.”
Policing Commander Chief Superintendent Jon Brighton said: “We are absolutely delighted with the news that Ipswich has once again been awarded the Purple Flag. This is a prestigious national award and reflects the hard work and determination of all those involved in making our county town a great place to live in, work in and visit.
"I am delighted that the strength of our partnership working has been similarly recognised, having collaborated on a number of joint initiatives, such as the Best Bar None, BarWatch and Town Pastor schemes, which have helped improve the town centre at night.
“We are also grateful for the continued funding for the taxi-marshalling scheme in Dog’s Head Street by our partners at Ipswich Borough Council, Ipswich Central and Suffolk Police & Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore, as this assists large numbers of people to leave the town centre safely.”
Chief Supt. Brighton said that in five days over Christmas more than 9,000 people were assisted by the taxi marshall scheme.
Terry Baxter commented, “This is great news for the town and it shows partnership working at its best between Ipswich Central, Police and Crime Commissioner, Ipswich Borough Council and the licensed trade. Investment in the Purple Flag Accreditation, taxi marshal scheme and the Best Bar None initiative are all helping to make Ipswich a safe and welcoming place to be."
