NORTHWICH has become the latest town to achieve the ArcAngel Protected Town Award.

The award recognises the achievements of the private and public sector who have been working together to improve the safety of locals and visitors who come to the town for a night out.

A launch event was held on Friday and PC Neil Wharmby, who has been working in partnership with Cheshire West and Chester licensing officers and licensees in the town to implement the ArcAngel standards, said: “We have been impressed with the commitment shown by all of the pubs and bars who are doing their part to ensure that locals and visitors to Northwich can enjoy a night out safely.

“Getting the message out to members of the public to make them aware is really important as under the scheme they too have a part to play in making Northwich a great place to come in the evening.

“Drink-related anti-social behaviour is not acceptable and the scheme makes that clear, it is not just the responsibility of the licensees as everyone has their part to play whether they are drinkers, retailers or licensees.”

PC Warmby added: “Eight premises have been assessed and reached the required standard to gain ArcAngel status. They are The Swinging Witch, Madisons, The Penny Black, The Quayside, The Roebuck, The Chesterway, Nectars Wine Bar and Chapels Wine Bar.”

ArcAngel is a joint approach to tackling alcohol related crime and underage drinking between Cheshire Police, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and NHS Trusts; the initiative has already been implemented in Chester, Congleton, Sandbach and Wilmslow among others.

The council's executive member for community and environment, Cllr Lynn Riley, said: “ArcAngel is an ambitious scheme that involves driving up standards within the night time economy both with the licensing trade and with members of the public who choose to socialise in the city.

“It really is a win-win all round, providing us with a brand that identifies Northwich as a great place to be, where people can come out and be assured that the licensed premises they visit are well managed, well maintained and places they can enjoy themselves.”

Northwich town mayor Cllr George Mainwaring, who was present at the launch said: Well done to all who have achieved the ArcAngel Award, it is a credit to you and your business and something which Northwich can be proud of.

“With ArcAngel targeting alcohol-related crime and disorder, it is reassuring that the community is working together to make Northwich a town that we can all take pride in, and look to the future with confidence.”

Further information about the ArcAngel standards or the Protected Town scheme can be found on the Cheshire Police website www.cheshire.police.uk