5:50pm Friday 17th April 2009
By Duncan Eaton
A HOST of “guardian angels” will soon be keeping a watchful eye on Southampton’s night-time fun seekers.
Nearly 50 Street Pastors, part of a church-led initiative, will be hitting the city centre streets in a week’s time.
It is hoped their presence will lead to a dramatic drop in crime that has already been seen in other parts of the county where the scheme has been rolled out.
An intensive 12-week training course has prepared the Street Pastors, who are all volunteers, for Friday and Saturday night patrols around pubs and clubs.
Working with the city’s police, they will be there to listen, care and help – providing pastoral support for anyone who needs it.
Street Pastors chairman Canon Geoff Annas said: “We will not be there to preach but to support our police and hopefully make a contribution to the safety and well being of all.”
The scheme has led to a significant drop in crime in other areas across Hampshire where it has already been taken up.
It was more than a year ago that Fair Oak became the first village to launch a Street Pastor initiative.
Violence, thefts, criminal damage and rowdy behaviour have all been slashed since the Street Pastors were introduced. Neighbouring Eastleigh is set to put Street Pastors on the town centre streets and the initiative has been a huge success in Portsmouth.
Southampton’s Street Pastors will get a civic send off from the mayor, Councillor Brian Parnell, before officially starting their patrols on Saturday, April 25. A team will be on the streets from 10pm to 4am.
Canon Annas said: “I am really thrilled that Street Pastors are finally going to be out and about.
“It is a culmination of a great deal of planning and prayer dating back several years.
“Our volunteers represent 29 different churches across the city and they range in age from 20 to 78.
“All differences in theological understanding and styles of worship have been laid to one side so that we can now show the love that Jesus has for us all by caring for those enjoying a good night out in our vibrant city.
“We are particularly grateful to those who have given their financial support to the scheme and to the Ascension Trust who oversee Street Pastor projects across the country.”
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