Community · Chippenham
Chippenham marks decade of night-time safety excellence with Purple Flag
By Swindon Now Editorial Team · Published
Chippenham has been awarded the Purple Flag accreditation for the tenth consecutive year, highlighting the town's commitment to a safe and vibrant evening economy.
Chippenham has reached a significant milestone in its efforts to manage the town centre after dark, securing its tenth consecutive Purple Flag accreditation. The award, managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), serves as a national benchmark for excellence in the management of evening and night-time environments between 5pm and 5am.
Similar in prestige to the Green Flag awarded to parks or the Blue Flag for beaches, the accreditation recognises areas that excel in safety, vibrancy, and appeal. Chippenham first achieved this status in 2016 and remains one of only a small number of market towns across the UK to maintain the award for an entire decade.
The successful reaccreditation is the result of a coordinated effort involving multiple organisations. Key partners in the programme include Wiltshire Police, Wiltshire Council, Dorset and Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, Pubwatch, the Chippenham Borough Lands Charity, and a wide array of local businesses and voluntary groups.
A focus on partnership
Councillor Eric Wakeman, leader of Chippenham Town Council, praised the collaboration that has sustained the town's status. He highlighted the role of the multi-agency Community Safety Forum as a vital component in the town's approach to night-time management. The forum allows partners to share information, identify potential issues early and coordinate proactive responses to keep the centre welcoming for residents and visitors alike.
Judges for the Purple Flag scheme specifically commended the strong working relationship between the town council and the local neighbourhood policing team. They also noted the effective use of Chippenham's existing heritage assets and the careful design of its evening economy area, as well as the town's ongoing plans for future riverside development.
What the award means for the town
Beyond the honour of the accreditation itself, the Purple Flag status is a component of Chippenham’s wider strategy to ensure its economy remains resilient. While the town is well-known for its daytime retail and business operations, the award signals that it is also a safe and well-managed destination for those socialising in the evening.
The programme's reach extends far beyond the UK, with fewer than 100 destinations worldwide holding the accreditation, including locations in Ireland, Sweden, Malta, New Zealand, and Australia. By retaining this status, Chippenham continues to position itself as a standard-bearer for small market towns aiming to foster a thriving, secure, and vibrant environment for all users after the sun sets.
Source: Gazette & Herald · View original