HIGH Wycombe has retained its Purple Flag award – which recognises a safe town centre that offers a quality night out.

Just 42 towns and cities around the country have the coveted award handed out by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM).

Assessors attended the Fusion Festival at Arts4Every1, ate at the recently opened Bluegrass BBQ and spoke to licensees, door staff and CCTV operators during an overnight assessment in October.

Judges were given a presentation by stakeholders, including Wycombe District Council Leader Cllr Richard Scott, before attending a police operational briefing – and they were impressed with what they saw.

Eddie Gilmartin, night-time economy board member for the High Wycombe Business Improvement District Company which led the renewal campaign said: “The fact this successful renewal comes at the end of the first year for the BID company shows just how much we have achieved and the trust that we have generated in a short space of time.”

The gong, similar to the Blue Flag for beaches and Green Flag for parks, is handed out to towns which have good management of the night-time economy and a quality offer for a diverse audience.

Assessors also look at traffic management and the look, feel and safety of the town centre.

Cllr John Gibbs, WDC’s Cabinet Member for Community, said: "It’s fantastic news that Wycombe has been awarded a purple flag once again.

“This honour comes as a direct result of people working together for the good of our community, making the town a great place to live, work or visit at any time. We’re all really proud to fly the purple flag."

High Wycombe was the sixth and smallest destination to land the prestigious Purple Flag accolade back in 2006.

Chief Inspector Colin Seaton said: "Wycombe is a vibrant and diverse town and I'm so pleased that we can celebrate retaining the Purple Flag.

“The police have been working closely with the district council and other partners to ensure crime stays low and that Wycombe remains a safe and enjoyable place to be."