The BID is thrilled to announce Bishop’s Stortford has been awarded Purple Flag status by the ATCM (The Association of Town and City Management).
The project, led by Bishop’s Stortford BID, is a key deliverable in the BID’s 5-year business plan, developed in conjunction with the businesses. It is a fantastic accolade and one for the whole town to be proud of and celebrate.
The announcement follows a year of intensive work, which included training and the development of enhanced safety initiatives, night audits, a paperwork submission in January and overnight visit from assessors on 6th and 7th March.
The accreditation is the culmination of efforts from businesses, security teams and town centre stakeholders – Town, District and County Council, Councillors, the Police, Street Stewards and Street Pastors. Special thanks to Urban Spark Group for their invaluable experience of the night-time economy. The application has been strongly supported throughout by the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner, Jonathan Ash-Edwards, and Josh Dean MP.
A fantastic example of what can be achieved with a common aim, collaborative working and sheer hard work and determination.
What is Purple Flag?
It is an international accreditation for towns and city centres with a strong, safe and well-managed evening and night-time economy. It is often described as the nightlife equivalent of a Blue Flag beach award.
What are the criteria for success?
To earn Purple Flag status, a location has to meet standards in these areas:
- Safety and wellbeing
- Transport and movement
- Variety of entertainment
- Cleanliness and appearance
- Partnership working between businesses, police, and councils
What does Purple Flag status mean for local people and businesses in Bishop’s Stortford?
More visitors and spending
All our businesses can benefit because the town is promoted as a safe and attractive night destination…taxis too!
A safer town centre at night
Lighting, policing, transport, cleanliness, customer care, and how safely people can get home are assessed
Lower anti-social behaviour and crime
The programme is proven to help reduce disorder through cooperation between police, councils, venues, and local groups
A broader nightlife than just drinking
Towns are encouraged to offer a variety of experiences including arts, family entertainment, cafés, live music and a good selection of food options, alongside more traditional drinking environments
Better reputation and investment
The award can improve the town’s image and encourage regeneration and investment
The accreditation is just the beginning, so no time to rest on our laurels! It is reviewed annually and we have lots more planned to continue improving standards and the Bishop’s Stortford night-time experience, from additional safety training for businesses to new lighting schemes, the launch of ShopSafe Alert for real-time crime intelligence sharing to the expansion of the Town Link radio scheme and installation of additional CCTV cameras.
BID-funded Street Stewards have also been made permanent following a highly successful trial between December 2025 and March of this year.
Onwards Bishop’s Stortford!
