Pastors aim to bring peace to streets
Pastors are to be rolled out on to the streets of South Ribble in the new year in an attempt to wipe away the area's ills.
Christian volunteers will take to the streets of Lostock Hall, Bamber Bridge and Penwortham at night, to try to tackle problems of anti-social behaviour and help vulnerable people.
It is also hoped to introduce a second team of street pastors in Preston in the autumn, with nine volunteers undergoing training.
Street pastors have been patrolling on Friday nights in the St Matthew's and St George's areas of the city since last December.
Each month, the 24 volunteers have spoken to more than 200 people, including sex workers, gang members, drunken revellers and vulnerable youngsters out after dark.
More than a fifth of the people they spoke to were aged under 18.
Ron Farrington, a pastor at Longton Community Church, said the scheme had proved such a success in Preston that plans had been made to extend it in to parts of South Ribble next year.
He said: "We started work a year ago in Preston, working with the police and council in different areas, and that has been very successful.
"We do a lot with young people. It's bringing crime down.
"We are looking to launch in Penwortham, Lostock Hall and Bamber Bridge, in the coming new year.
"Once we have got enough volunteers, we will start the initiative," he added.
The volunteers, who are members of different denominations of local churches, go out in teams of six, offering a listening ear to anyone in need of help or support.
Mr Farrington said: "It's about building up relationships with people. It takes them a while to trust you.
"After three or four months, we can start helping them in the right direction."
The scheme started in London and the UK now has more than 3,000 street pastors.
Robin Maudsley, chairman of the Communities, Residents and Businesses group in the St George's area, said the street pastors had helped make a positive difference.
He said: "We have noticed a significant drop in problems that we had 12 months ago when they first started. It has gone quieter and become better."
'God's cops' plan for city
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Weather for Preston
Thursday 29 July 2010
Today
Cloudy
Temperature: 15 C to 17 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: West
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 15 C to 19 C
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