Swansea has kept its Purple Flag for the 12th year running, recognising efforts to make the city centre safe and welcoming after dark.
The accreditation rewards towns and cities for a well-run evening and night-time economy, balancing entertainment, food and culture with people’s safety.
Swansea was the first place in Wales to earn the award, and remains one of only a handful in the country to hold it.
The flag covers the city centre between 5pm and 5am, and works much like the Blue Flag scheme that recognises good beaches.
Council leader Rob Stewart said the city’s evening and night-time economy partnership worked hard to keep people safe.
“This means that great initiatives can flourish so everyone has a great time out in a safe environment,” he said.
He said the result reflected work to create a safer community and a more vibrant city centre.
This year’s successful submission highlighted a 24/7 reporting line that gives city centre businesses a single point of contact for support.
It also pointed to new forums for restaurateurs and hoteliers, work to tackle nuisance cycling, and the ongoing Wind Street Code of Practice.
Chief Inspector Dean Evans, of South Wales Police, said the award was good news for the city and its visitors.
“We want people to enjoy themselves in our city centre whilst also feeling safe,” he said.
He said the accreditation showed how hard partners had worked to keep the city safe.
The award is overseen by the Association of Town and City Centre Management, which praised Swansea’s blend of entertainment, dining and culture.
The body said the city’s success was built on strong partnership working across different sectors.
The night-time economy partnership brings together the council, Swansea BID, South Wales Police, British Transport Police, the fire service, street pastors, pub and club watch, St John Ambulance Cymru, the city’s two universities, health board and businesses.
It follows recent recognition for the city centre, which won a top UK safety award in March as crime fell, and retained the Purple Flag last year for an 11th year.
