Street Pastors toTackle Pubs and Clubs

Street Pastors have been recruited to offer advice to young people in Weston-super-Mare's pubs, clubs and on the resort's streets.

The pastors form part of a nationwide inter-denominational church response to problems such as binge drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Teams of four volunteers will work one night a month as Street Pastors and will be commissioned by the Bishop of Bath and Wells, the Rt Rev Peter Price, on Saturday 28 October.

Weston-super-Mare police sector deputy, Sergeant Dave Holtby said: "Each project is run by a local co-ordinator with support from local churches in partnership with ourselves, the local authority and other statutory agencies. A street pastor is normally a church leader, minister or member of a church with a concern for their society - in particular young people who feel they are being excluded and marginalised but not exclusively so. They are willing to engage with people - whether it is on the streets, in the pubs and clubs, or at parties.

"To be a Street Pastor you need to be over 18 (there is no upper age limit), a church member and able to commit to a 12-session training course. This includes subjects such as counselling skills, drugs awareness, sociology, knowing your community, role and responsibility and street safety," explained Holtby.

Street Pastors are known to share their faith if asked, but are primarily there to listen, care and respond with help where appropriate.

A positive response to schemes already up and running in London, Manchester and Birmingham has been reported, including reduced crime when the Street Pastors are on duty.