Vincent Geaves, Our Colchester BID Manager, and Purple Flag Coordinator, said: “The BID and its partners have continued delivering a programme of safety interventions over the past year to ensure visitors and staff feel safe at all times. From embedding the nationally acclaimed Ask for Angela to the amazing service of the Open Road SOS Bus, who run 'Summer and Winter of Safety' campaigns. Without the incredible staff and volunteers, we would not have such an amazing service which saves lives and helps those who are, or may become, vulnerable.

“I'd like to thank all evening and night-time venues for their continued commitment to making Colchester a safer city. But especially those management teams from twelve venues who obtained their Best Bar None accreditation. Their excellent work continued this year, enabling them re-accreditation for another year.”