Livingston shopping centres win awards

Nov 10 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

A NATIONAL award for safety has been awarded to Livingston.

The town has won a national Safer Shopping Award for the second time in recognition of its efforts in making shopping safe for all.

The scheme commended The Centre and McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet for their good practice through promoting, co-ordinating and overseeing measures which contribute to a safe and secure shopping environment for visitors.

The Centre and McArthurGlen’s Livingston teamed up for the 2011 campaign, following a successful joint entry in 2009, the first time both had been awarded such an accolade.

Anne McGroarty from Land Securities and Jim Bradley, facilities manager from McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet, were joined by representatives from the Scottish Business Crime Centre (operators of the Safer Shopping Scheme), Lothian and Borders Police, security staff and representatives from the retailers to accept the 2011 award on behalf of Livingston town centre.

Anne said: “The Centre and Livingston Designer Outlet are highly rated by shoppers, and our pleasant, comfortable, safe and secure environment is a big part of that.

“It is fantastic that we are not only recognised and rated by the shoppers but also recognised nationally.

“We are delighted to accept a Safer Shopping Award for the second time, receiving a nationally-recognised accolade reflects the hard work and strong measures we have put in place to ensure our continued high standards are met.

“I would like to thank both the Scottish Business Crime Centre and Lothian and Borders Police - continued support from partnerships with organisations such as these is essential to maintain our high standard of crime prevention and are important in executing our local community safety strategy.”

Jim Bradley, facilities manager at McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet who is also chair of the Livingston Safer Town Centre Partnership, said: “We’re very proud to receive the award together with The Centre.

“We work hard to ensure our visitors can enjoy not only a fantastic shopping experience, offering a range of leading high street brands for up to 60 per cent less, but also a relaxing experience, assured in the knowledge they are in a safe environment.”

Willie Armstrong, national project co-ordinator for the Scottish Business Crime Centre, added: “Achieving this award is a real credit to the dedication of The Centre and McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet for the town.

“It takes a high level of commitment to gain the Safer Shopping Award.

“It is something which the whole area, and particularly shoppers and visitors to the area will benefit from.

“The work that was done by a number of key partners in providing a safer shopping experience was evident throughout the accreditation process and underlines their commitment to safety and security in the shopping centres.

“Seasonally this is also an important time of year to achieve this award.”

The assessment of The Centre and McArthurGlen’s Livingston Designer Outlet was carried out by an independent assessor who was tasked to ensure the shopping centres met with the stringent criteria designed to reassure customers and staff about the safety and security standards of shopping areas.

Sergeant Colin Frame from the West Lothian division of Lothian and Borders Police added: “This is a great result for West Lothian and an example of successful partnership working fully supported by Lothian and Borders Police”.