A night out in Watford is officially one of the safest in the UK after the town was one of six towns and cities across the UK to be given a 'purple flag - and the first in Hertfordshire.
Independent assessors visited the town and were impressed with the town's initiatives such as staggered closing times, taxi marshals and police presence as well as a scheme to help provide care for vulnerable drinkers.
Chief Inspector for Watford, Nick Caveney said: “The Purple Flag assessors clearly recognised the hard work and dedication of all partner agencies, who work closely to ensure that those who visit the town enjoy a safe evening. “
Watford police have recently increased presence in the town as well as taking a different approach to crime and anti-social behavious, in a bid to deal with problems more robustly.
But this is only one part of the Purple Flag awards which also look for a wide variety of venues, safe methods to travel home and are appealing after dark.
Watford, and the other five new towns and cities join just 25 previous awardees of purple flag status.
Meanwhile, the council has announced bank holiday refuse collections.
To make up for there being no collection on Monday 7th, the collections will take place one day later with a Saturday collection taking place of the Friday pickup to finish the week.
