Village awarded first Purple Flag

STOCKTON Heath has become the first village in the UK to receive a Purple Flag – an award which recognises high standards of safety and security at night.
The award is usually only given to towns and cities which have safe and secure night time economies.
Stockton Heath’s award – from the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM) – arises from the work of a local partnership – The Stockton Heath Early Evening Economy Working Group.
In recent years, the village has undergone a transformation with the opening of numerous restaurants, bars and cafes.
At first the increased evening activity led to problems of increased noise and anti-social behaviour – leading to the setting up of the working group.
Cllr Terry O’Neill (pictured), leader of Warrington Borough Council, said: “We wanted to broaden the appeal of the area to families and to celebrate what Stockton Heath village has to offer its residents and visitors alike.
“Purple Flag is the first step in helping us to do this. It’s been a real team effort involving the parish council, local councillors, residents representatives, local Youth Parliament member, the licensing trade, police, fire service and neighbourhood board.
“We recognise that there is always more that can be done to make further improvements but the village is right to be proud of this fantastic achievement”.
ATCM chief executive Martin Blackwell said: “It’s a real pleasure to be awarding Purple Flag status to Stockton Heath. The partnership has worked extremely hard to develop and improve the evening economy and has been justly rewarded. It demonstrates that the village is a place for everyone and we were highly impressed by its unique identity.”
Anyone who wants to find out more or help the working group in Stockton Heath,
should contact Dave Watson at Warrington Council on 01925 442590.
For more information visit www.purpleflag.org.uk