WEYMOUTH will no longer be a 'Purple Flag destination' after councillors voted not to reapply for the accreditation.

Purple Flag is an accreditation process similar to the Green Flag award for parks and the Blue Flag for beaches.

Purple Flag areas are singled out for providing a vibrant and diverse mix of dining, entertainment and culture for visitors and residents to enjoy.

It recognises town and city centres that meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night time economy. The accreditation is said to 'strive to help create safe and thriving locations at night for all users'.

Weymouth has been awarded the recognition for its night-time economy every year since 2018.

But town councillors questioned whether the accreditation, which costs around £935 a year brings any benefits to the town.

Cllr Ryan Hope, chair of the environment and services committee said: "Really this is bringing no benefit as we have discussed. What does the Purple Flag do to us?

"I never look if somewhere has a Purple Flag before I go for a beer."

Council officers have discussed a new initiative called Licensing SAVI (Security and Vulnerable Initiative) which is set to be implemented throughout the town by Weymouth BID.

SAVI is a self-assessment tool designed to enhance safety and security in licensed premises for managers, staff, customers and local communities.

Licensing SAVI ensures licensed premises are aware of and meet the standards required by responsible authorities in England and Wales.

Officers recommended that Purple Flag is now renewed so that efforts are not duplicated between the two schemes.

Kate Wheller, Mayor of Weymouth, said: "I am fully in support of this recommendation.

"The only thing that concerns me is that I don't want to have anything negative come from this.

"Our night time economy in Weymouth and across the country is terribly under threat.

"If we have no Purple Flag, we don't want people to think we have lost this accreditation - we have a very good and very safe night time resort."

Cllr Hope added: "We should recognise that the Purple Flag has been achieved mostly by our excellent venues and the street pastors who do tremendous work every weekend.

"Those standards will not slip and this will not affect the high standards of the night time economy in Weymouth."

The recommendation not to reapply for Purple Flag accreditation was unanimously approved by the committee.