9:14am Tuesday 28th April 2009
By Jon Livesey
A PIONEERING scheme to make Pendle’s streets safer after dark through patrols of Christian volunteers is to be extended.
Since the 29 ‘street pastors’ were introduced last September anti-social behaviour has been dropped.
On Friday nights when the patrols take place there has been a 19.5 per cent reduction in offences compared to the previous year.
And now 11 more volunteers from different churches will now be brought in.
The pastors currently patrol streets in Nelson, Brierfield and Barrowford between 7.30pm and midnight on Fridays.
As well as approaching people on the streets, in pubs and clubs, they also offer practical advice when required.
Their duties have included taking drunken people home, talking to young people, clearing glass up off the street and breaking up fights.
They can also make referrals to statutory and voluntary agencies which give advice, for example on drug or alcohol addiction.
In Barrowford incidents of anti-social behaviour have been reduced by 30 per cent since they started work.
This weekend an air rifle was voluntarily handed to the pastors by someone who did not feel comfortable approaching police.
Now 11 more street pastors have been commissioned to start patrols in Colne. The initiative is an independent operation, but has support of the police and council.
Det Insp Dave Groombridge, of Pendle CID, said: “We are not for one moment saying the reduction in anti-social behaviour is just down to the street pastors, but it’s down to a cumulative effort or collaboration with other community groups.
“However, the street pastors being introduced has definitely been a contributing factor.
“They have formed tremendous relationships with youths despite being a Christian organisation.
“They are seen as people with faith and conviction and that derives some respect.”
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