Purple Flag for safe Preston city centre night out to have permanent home

The Purple Flag is currently above the Town Hall in Lancaster Road Pic: Preston City Council

The city is officially flying the Purple Flag for having a great and safe night out.

Preston City Council and Preston Business Improvement District have officially received the flag at the end of October and a permanent city centre home is being found for it to be flown.

This will act as a signal to all visitors to the city about how the city is a safe place for a night out.

Preston has retained a Purple Flag – similar to the Green Flags for parks scheme and Blue Flags for beaches – since its inception.

The city is the only place in Lancashire to hold the status.

Ojay McDonald CEO of Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), Mike Pixton Preston City Centre Business Improvement District (Preston BID), Peter Alexander Chair of Preston At Night

Mark Whittle, from Preston City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) said: “It highlights our commitment to community safety, and we will continue to work with all businesses to ensure Preston is a safe, welcoming and vibrant night time destination.”

This year’s run-up to the Christmas party season includes the presence of Street Safety officers.

The team are there to help anyone who feels vulnerable or becomes unwell and work closely with emergency services, door supervisors and the Street Pastors. They are funded by Preston City Council.

Councillor Peter Kelly, Cabinet member for Arts and Culture at Preston City Council, said: “There’s really something for everyone in Preston during the festive season. We are going to celebrate in style and we hope that as many visitors as possible will come and share the magic that is Preston in winter.”