BARS in Warrington town centre have been given an award by Cheshire Police that recognises nightspots for being safe and responsible.

Six venues in the Cultural Quarter have been awarded Arc Angel status.

They are the Palmyra, Grill on the Square, Mojo′s, the Quarter Bar, the Parr Hall and the Institution.

The award recognises work done by licensees to encourage responsible drinking in their premise and in the community, as well as discouraging drinking in public and alcohol-related, anti-social behaviour.

Certificates were presented by Mayor of Warrington, Cllr Ted Finnigan, PC Danny Gee, of Warrington Town Centre NPU, and Dianne Shaughnessy, alcohol harm reduction officer for Warrington Borough Council, to the bars last week.

PC Gee, beat manager for the town centre, said: " "The premises which have received their ArcAngel protected accreditation have shown a clear drive and commitment to reducing the amount of alcohol related crime in Warrington.

"The representatives from the premises have received their certificates in recognition of their hard work so far, but it is also an undertaking to maintain the standards and continue that work. From the engagement that I′ve seen from them in achieving the status, I have no doubt that this will be a strong partnership which will benefit Warrington Cultural Quarter."

Previously, ArcAngel status has been something associated with bars in Stockton Heath.

Gemma McElwaine, bar and catering supervisor at the Parr Hall, believes it will encourage residents to visit the town centre.

She said: "We have worked alongside Cheshire Police to try and tackle anti-social behaviour.

"We have made sure our staff are trained in things like Challenge 25, which we operate, and work with other bars in the Cultural Quarter to make sure we're singing from the same hymn sheet.

"I think this will help us around the Cultural Quarter.

"Some people who don't want to come into the town centre, and may go to Stockton Heath instead, know we have got the right offering for them to come to now.

"ArchAngel will make sure they feel safer, and encourage them to come to the Cultural Quarter for a night out."

For more information on ArchAngel, go toarcangel.uk.net .