Westport extends its awardwinning purple patch

WESTPORT is celebrating being awarded a Purple Flag - the smallest town to date to join the purple standard. It is now one of over 50 towns and cities across the UK and Ireland who have been awarded this status.

The town went through a rigorous Purple Flag Academy before being independently assessed. Passing all 30 Purple Flag criteria as well as the minimum thresholds of decreasing crime statistics, appropriate transport, a vibrant appeal, a stimulating destination and a strong partnership, it was particularly commended in a number of areas.

With its excellent variety and choice of eating venues and buzzing pubs, Westport was commended on its substantial partnership working across the membership of the group and on equal measure within each sector supported by a highly committed Tidy Towns team.

Purple Flag - similar to the Blue Flag for beaches - aims to raise the standard and broaden the appeal of town and city centres in the evenings and at night. The scheme is managed by the Association of Town and City Management working alongside the Purple Flag advisory committee. Accredited towns and cities have proven that they are welcoming to everyone, offer safe ways for visitors to travel home after dark and provide a good mix of venues.

Purple Flag towns and cities benefit from more visitors, lower crime and anti-social behaviour and improved perceptions of centres.

Westport extends its award-winning purple patch