An area of Redbridge has been given an award for the ‘excellence’ of its nighttime economy.

Gants Hill has been awarded a purple flag by the Association of Town Centre Management (ATCM), supported by the Home Office, Association of Chief Police Officers and Local Government Regulation.

Purple Flag status is awarded to town centres based on variety of criteria including range of venues, transport, crime, cleanliness and character.

Businesses, Councillors and other stakeholders involved in the project gathered at the Visage nightclub in Cranbrook Road last Wednesday evening to celebrate the accreditation.

Purple Flag Assessors said they were impressed with the range of alcohol free venues in the area and the partnership with the police and businesses to keep the area safe and friendly.

Keith Prince, Leader of Redbridge Council, said: “We see this as the beginning of a constant process of improvement and measurement of Gants Hill and as a beacon for the future re-visioning of the evening economy in our other town centres.”