Gloucester was visited by judges at the weekend to decide whether the city should get a national safety award for its night-time economy.

The Purple Flag is awarded to cities or towns that show that they have a safe and thriving evening economy.

Two independent judges met representatives of the city and spent 12 hours overnight in Gloucester at the weekend.

They met city council deputy leader, Councillor Jennie Watkins as well as MP Richard Graham and representatives of the police, Marketing Gloucester and the LVA who have all backed the Purple Flag application.

The judges observed various elements of the night time economy including the CCTV control room, taxi marshalling and the community toilet scheme premises. They also met with the police, visit licenced premises and got an overview of the city's cleaning operations.

Gloucester Cathedral showed their support for the Purple Flag application by lighting the tower purple.

The prestigious Purple Flag is already held by Cheltenham and Bristol.

City council officers, police, Amey and the Gloucester BID have been working on Gloucester's application over the past year. A decision on the application is expected in May.

Cllr Jennie Watkins, cabinet member for communities and neighbourhoods at Gloucester City Council, said: "Partners across Gloucester have worked incredibly hard to make sure that the city is ready for this judging process and we are hopeful that the judges will agree that Gloucester is place a welcoming, clean and safe city and award the status.

"We have huge ambition for the city's night time economy and achieving the Purple Flag would show the positive progress being made."

The Purple Flag is awarded to cities or towns based on the following criteria:

*Wellbeing: Successful destinations are all safe and welcoming with all everyone playing their part in delivering high standards of customer care.

*Movement: Getting home safely after an evening out is really important, as is the ability to move around the centre with ease.

* Appeal: Successful destinations offer a vibrant choice of leisure and entertainment for a diversity of ages, groups, lifestyles and cultures.

*Place: Successful areas are alive during the day, as well as in the evening. They contain a blend of overlapping activities that encourage people to mingle and enjoy the place.

Picture credit: Pixabay