WORCESTER is hoping to be recognised as a place to go for a good night out.

A working group led by Worcester BID will apply for purple flag status – which would show the city is regarded as one of the best nightlife locations in the country.

Purple flags are similar to blue flags for beaches and green flags for parks.

They are given to places that are safe, clean and with a choice of night-time entertainment.

Worcester BID (Business Improvement District), which promotes trade in the city, has joined forces with Worcester City Council, local licensees, West Mercia Police, members of anti-crime group Nightsafe and Worcestershire Regulatory Services to pursue the accreditation.

The group will establish the area to be assessed and prepare for an independent inspection. If successful, Worcester might secure the coveted status within the next 12 months.

Nicki Williams, chairman of Worcester BID, said: “Worcester City centre is becoming an even safer place to socialise with the introduction and development of various initiatives.

“We are utilising all our collective powers to create a safe environment in which the public can work, live and play.”

She said the purple flag application showed the commitment to put the city on the map.

The move was welcomed by Dean Hill, owner of Tramps, Velvet and Mode and chairman of Nightsafe.

He said: “It’s a fantastic idea. Anything that can help raise the profile, standard and entertainment value of Worcester has to be a bonus.”

Mr Hill said he believed the city had a good chance of securing the status with a wide range of entertainment and encouraging statistics on crime and disorder.

He said: “Figures released a month ago showed in the first two months of this year the city centre crime and disorder was down by 68 per cent on the previous year.”

Mr Hill said he attributed that to the work licensees were doing together to promote a safe, enjoyable night out.

Bath, Birmingham, Covent Garden and Bristol are among areas that already have a purple flag award.