A NEW charter has been launched to make Bradford city centre a more welcoming place for visitors after dark.

The Bradford at Night Charter has been unveiled and its aim is to make the city centre a safer and more attractive place for people to visit at night.

It aims to tackle the issue of safety and go beyond the door of venues.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Bradford at Night director Elizabeth Murphy and District Commander of Bradford, Chief Superintendent Rob McCoubrey at the launch eventBradford at Night director Elizabeth Murphy and District Commander of Bradford, Chief Superintendent Rob McCoubrey at the launch event (Image: Newsquest)

Elizabeth Murphy, Bradford at Night director, said: “We want to proactively work alongside businesses to provide the training, tools and ongoing support they need to help improve the standard of night-time safety within the city centre.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Elizabeth Murphy, Bradford at Night director, speaks at Napoleons Casino & RestaurantElizabeth Murphy, Bradford at Night director, speaks at Napoleons Casino & Restaurant (Image: Newsquest)

“To support local businesses commit to the pledges within the charter we have developed a toolkit including a range of digital resources and training for nighttime economy venues.

“We are in this together and together we can make a huge difference. This charter is our pledge to do just that.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Barry Bradley, general manager at Napoleons Casino & Restaurant, was one of the guest speakers at the launch eventBarry Bradley, general manager at Napoleons Casino & Restaurant, was one of the guest speakers at the launch event (Image: Newsquest)

Jonny Noble, manager of Bradford Business Improvement District (BID), the first organisation to officially sign the charter, said the charter will help build a great environment within the city centre for people visiting after dark.

He said: “We are committed to working with our members and partners to improve safety, and perceptions of safety, for all Bradford residents and visitors.

“This charter is built on creating a culture of respect, pride and community that will establish a great environment for visitors, workers and residents coming into Bradford city centre at night.”

Bradford Telegraph and Argus: Julie Monks, business manager of The Light Cinema at The Broadway, Bradford, also spoke at the charter launch Julie Monks, business manager of The Light Cinema at The Broadway, Bradford, also spoke at the charter launch (Image: Newsquest)

The charter includes zero tolerance of abusive language and behaviour; respect for everybody; the sharing of intelligence and information; encouraging people to use the WalkSafe app; training and 'Pride Beyond Our Door'.

This includes things like keeping the outside premises clean, tidy, and safe; protecting people both inside and outside the premises; advocating responsible drinking and being vigilant to unsafe situations when people leave the premises.

The Bradford at Night Charter follows the development of other schemes spearheaded by Bradford at Night and the Bradford BID including the introduction of the WalkSafe App. It is free for people to download to identify WalkSafe-accredited venues, locate night marshals and street angels, and enable others to track their evenings out.

The launch event, held at Napoleons Casino & Restaurant in the city on Tuesday, also saw the announcement of the Best Bar None Accreditation scheme in Bradford which is open for applications for the second year.

The national scheme is to promote the responsible management and operation of alcohol-licensed premises. Following the inaugural launch last year, 15 Bradford venues were awarded Best Bar None status.