Purple flag For Worthing 

Worthing town centre has been awarded a Purple Flag signifying it is a destination for a safe and vibrant night out.

Inspectors for the scheme recognised that the town centre was heading in the right direction with venues, businesses and police all working together to ensure the town centre after hours was a pleasant place to visit.

Worthing Borough Council’s Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Kevin Jenkins, said, ‘I’m delighted we have received this recognition. It tells people they can expect a decent night out in a safe environment.

‘We recognise that there is more to do with our town centre and we have ongoing improvement plans including more seafront restaurants, more open and pleasant avenues and of course the WOW wheel opening for rides soon.

‘The Purple Flag is a great platform on which to build.’

The Flag scheme, run by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM) works in a similar way to the Green Flag for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches. It allows members of the public to quickly identify town & city centres that offer an entertaining, diverse, safe and enjoyable night out. Around 70 towns and cities are currently accredited.

ATCM inspectors visited Worthing to gather information and interviewed stakeholders. Among the positive findings were

• A good and well balanced mix of restaurants
• An attractive seafront and promenade
• A clear seafront investment plan
• Cinema and theatre added to the early evening offer
• Well managed late night venues
• Plenty of well-lit car parking available
• Fast and efficient policing when required
• Strong relationship with multiple partners committed to raising standards
• Effective CCTV and well supported Pubwatch and Shopwatch schemes

The Borough Council will receive a Purple Flag to fly at a site of its choosing. ATCM says its research indicates that Purple Flag can bring real benefits which include, a raised profile and an improved public image for the location, a wider patronage, increased expenditure, lower crime and anti-social behaviour and a more successful mixed use economy in the longer term.

Worthing Borough Council led the bid but were aided by a host of other organisations including Worthing Pub/Club Watch, Worthing Neighbourhood Watch, the Late Night Partnership and the Worthing Hospitality Federation.

PURPLE FLAG: TOP TEN THINGS TO DO WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN

1)  Worthing Theatres: Take in a show at the one of the fantastic venues operated by Worthing Theatres - don't miss the annual Summer of Circus festival of indoor and outdoor performances. You’ll be among an audience that continues to grow each year.

2)  Restaurants: You'll love Worthing independents foodie scene - Masterchef champion and Worthing boy Kenny Tutt has just opened his Pitch restaurant in Warwick Street joining a host of excellent eateries which have gained strong reputations including Crabshack which was recently named as one of the top ten best beach restaurants in Europe by The Guardian.

3)  Bars and Pubs: Sip a sundowner overlooking  the sea, glam up and head out for a cocktail or drop in for a craft beer at one of our many micropubs

4) Live Music: From large scale venues to intimate bars, book in to see a favourite band or check out emerging talent at one of our many live music venues including, The Egremont Pub & Cellar Arts Club

5) Sunset Cycle: Pick up a donkey bike and head out for a sunset pedal along the prom  

6) Nightclubs: Get your hands in the air while you dance the night away at one of our night club venues including Bar 10, Coast Cafe or Molotov

7) Light Festivals: Join the glow revolution at one of Worthing annual light and lantern festivals  - Jack on the Green (October), Worthing Light Festival (September)

8)  Find your inner you: at one of our holistic wellbeing centres for yoga, meditation and more

9 ) Take in a movie at the vintage Dome Cinema - one of the Uk's oldest working cinemas and a Worthing landmark

10)  Have a giggle at one of the towns regular comedy nights including The Goose and The Pavilion Cafe Bar

For more information of great things to do when the sun goes down go to   https://discoverworthing.uk/