Preston Police and partners help restore peace at Central Methodist Church repeatedly used as drugs den
The place of worship was constantly targeted.
For months, anti-social behaviour outside Preston’s Central Methodist Church has been affecting staff, visitors and the wider community, with drug use, fires, and even people using outside as a toilet - but not anymore!
The church which is located on Lune Street has been given a new lease of life thanks to a problem-solving initiative led by Preston police.
It was subjected to repeated incidents of crime and anti-social behaviour, causing concern for church staff, congregation members, local businesses and members of the public.
The project, led by Preston City Centre Police Community Support Officer Aaron Williamson, identified the location as a hotspot where individuals were gathering to engage in anti-social behaviour and drug use.
On several occasions, drug paraphernalia was left behind, creating hazards for the public and resulting in church staff having to clear up discarded items themselves.
Working alongside partners and the church, Preston Police developed a long-term solution to reduce opportunities for offending and improve community safety in the area and, thanks to funding provided by the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime (LANPAC), gates have now been installed at the location to prevent unauthorised access and deter criminal and anti-social behaviour.
PCSO Aaron Williamson said: “We recognised the issues at this location were having a significant impact on the wider community and that action was needed.
“The installation of these gates will help reduce opportunities for offending, improve public safety and relieve church staff of the burden of regularly dealing with the aftermath of this behaviour.
“This project demonstrates the value of problem-solving policing, where we work with partners to address the root causes of issues and make lasting improvements to help create a safer, cleaner and more welcoming environment for everyone.”
A spokesperson from the Central Methodist Church added: “For generations, Central Methodist Church has been at the heart of Preston, supporting people through times of hardship and working alongside those most in need.
“It was with a heavy heart that we made the decision to install gates across our historic portico, but the increasing levels of anti-social behaviour, drug use, fires, littering and damage to the building were creating significant risks for our congregation, visitors and the wider community.
“We are delighted that these sympathetically designed gates will help protect both this much-loved historic building and those who use it, while allowing us to continue our mission of serving the city.
“We are extremely grateful for the support received through the Lancashire Partnership Against Crime and the police initiative that contributed towards the project.”