Street Pastors patrol for the first time (From Somerset County Gazette)

Street Pastors patrol for the first time

7:11am Tuesday 20th May 2008 in News By Phil Hill

CHRISTIAN volunteers looking out for young people out on the town patrolled the centre of Taunton for the first time overnight on Saturday.

A total of 39 Street Pastors from 15 churches were commissioned at a service at Wellsprings Leisure Centre, Taunton, on Sunday.

The first team went out the previous evening to care for young revellers in need of help late at night.

Adrian Prior-Sankey helped set up the scheme in response to the horrific murder of teenager Lloyd Fouracre and a rape in Taunton in 2005.

He said: "It went really well on our first night - we had a warm welcome.

"So often churches are guilty of commentating but not getting up out of the pews to be part of the solution to society's problems.

"We hope to make a difference for the benefit of all who use our town centre late at night."

The Rev Vince Carrington, of North Street Congregational Church, said: "The role isn't about preaching heaven and hell, but one of listening, caring and helping - working in an unconditional way."

Volunteers, who are 18 and undergo training, go out in teams of six from 10pm on Saturday until 4am.

They wear uniforms and are in contact with the CCTV control centre, police and pub and club door staff.

Police back the scheme as a way of making the town safer.

Supt Chris Weigold said: "A friendly face for help and advice, at times when someone may well be vulnerable, will hopefully help to reduce incidents of crime and disorder."