Wigan town centre retains Purple Flag status for fifth year
Business and council leaders met to celebrate Wigan town centre retaining Purple Flag status
Wigan town centre will continue to proudly fly the Purple Flag after retaining its prestigious international accreditation for the fifth year in a row.
First awarded to Wigan in 2022, Purple Flag recognises town centres that meet high standards of safety and offer a vibrant night out for all visitors between the hours of 5pm and 5am.
Key successes in Wigan town centre’s bid this year included welfare provision at the King Street Safe Haven, supported by taxi and safety marshals, as well as the knife exchange and amnesty initiative through the Let’s Be Blunt campaign.
Councillor Kevin Anderson, cabinet portfolio holder for police, crime and civil contingencies, said: “I’m thrilled we have retained our Purple Flag status.
“It reflects the extensive work undertaken by council staff, the Wigan Borough Community Safety Partnership, our partners and local businesses, to make Wigan town centre a safe and welcoming place for all visitors.
“Our safety initiatives including our pioneering Safe Haven and the support of the Let’s Be Blunt campaign have been critical in ensuring visitors feel safe while out and about in the town centre.”
The Safe Haven ensures visitors to Wigan town centre get home safely after a night out, provides people access to phone chargers, advice on how to get home safely, welfare assistance, and a base for emergency service partners.
Meanwhile, the Let’s Be Blunt campaign, launched by Leanne Lucas, a survivor of the Southport knife attacks, has seen knife disposal bins launch across Wigan Borough, as well as the introduction of the safer knife replacement scheme, encouraging the use of kitchen knives with a round-ended tip.
Purple Flag - which is similar to the Green Flag Award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches - is given to town centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.
Managed by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), assessors said they were impressed with the work on Wigan Council’s Call it Out campaign, which encourages people to call out inappropriate behaviour on a night out through trusted support routes, as well as the provision provided by the Safe Haven, supported by safety marshals and taxi marshals.
Councillor Dane Anderton, portfolio holder for regeneration and economic development, said: “It is fantastic Wigan town centre has retained its Purple Flag status for the fifth-year running, showcasing Wigan’s entertainment, dining, and culture offer, all while ensuring the safety and well-being of residents and visitors.
“Wigan town centre’s credentials as a great night out will be further enhanced next year, with exciting future developments set to come to life, like the Fettlers site and Wigan Market, so we can be sure our town centre will continue to be firmly on the map for a safe and vibrant night out.”
Mike Pagett, Chair of Wigan Pub Watch, said “I am delighted that Wigan town centre has once again retained its Purple Flag status.
“This recognition reflects the hard work and commitment of businesses and partners across the town centre who work together to promote safety and ensure visitors have a positive experience across our bars, restaurants and entertainment venues.
“Retaining this accreditation shows that Wigan continues to be a destination people can enjoy both day and night.”
Posted on Monday 2nd November 2026