St Helens Borough Council has been awarded a Purple Flag accreditation, offering hope for a safer town centre.

The council and other businesses and organisations have worked closely on securing the accreditation which will aim to boost the town appeal and decrease crime rates in the evening. 

The Purple Flag is similar to the Green Flag for parks, will see standards raised in the town centre during 5pm and 5am. 

The borough was awarded the flag due to the diverse entertainment and culture offered in St Helens town centre. 

Councillor Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Safer, Stronger Communities, said: "We’re delighted that the hard work by our partnership bringing together council, police, fire and businesses to work towards the Purple Flag accreditation has reaped this positive reward.

"We know how important it is that St Helens town centre offers something for everyone, with the mix of theatre, cinema, bowling providing family friendly entertainment alongside our mix of pubs, clubs and restaurants providing safe and welcoming environments for visitors.

"A lot of work has gone into improving every aspect of the St Helens town centre night time experience over the last year, and while there is always more to do, this award is a recognition that our joined up working with businesses and Merseyside Police has made a huge difference to helping people have enjoyable and safe visits.

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"As we look forward to our exciting plans to transform St Helens town centre, we are already seeing confidence in the night time economy with a number of new businesses opening in the last few months.

"Purple Flag status further cements that recognition that St Helens town centre is a popular place for people to visit.

"A key part of the transformation is to refocus how people use St Helens town centre and diversify the offer to more leisure activities in both day and evening times so we will have much more to build on the success of this initial Purple Flag award."

Areas who have received the accreditation programme, managed by the Association of Town and City Management, have reported an increase in footfall and a decrease in night-time crime.