Street pastor plan for revellers in need

Revellers in Newtown are set to be supported by a "street pastor" scheme, set up to offer help to those in need.

Hope Church in the town is in the process of setting up the scheme, which will launch in September, Newtown Town Council heard yesterday.

The scheme is designed to offer people on the streets and out drinking the opportunity to speak to someone if they are in need.

Denise Curgenven, associate minister at the church, told councillors: "Street pastors is an interdenominational church response to neighbourhood problems, engaging with people on the streets and in night-time venue areas to care, listen and dialogue, and offer practical help.

"The 21st century has thrown up a challenge to both the church and to society, with a growth in anti-social behaviour at a local level, city-wide and even nationally.

"The biggest challenge and surprise is the young age of those involved in this behaviour.

"Street pastors are someone from the Christian community who is willing to care. We won't force our beliefs on people and we won't go up to people.

"We will just be a uniformed presence on the streets on Saturday nights out who people can come to talk to if they need help."

Miss Curgenven said 12 people were currently being trained to start the programme in September, when more volunteers would be required.

Giving the project the council's full-backing, members noted they were delighted with the idea.

Councillor Sue Lawson, town mayor said: "It think it is a fabulous idea, but I do hope that it is just not outside Crystals nightclub and other town centre areas. I hope it is rolled out to other areas of the town where the underage drinkers congregate, because they are the biggest problem in the town."

Councillor Francis Torrens said: "As a Christian myself, I think what you are doing is marvellous for the town and I am sure it will benefit a great number of people."

Members agreed to support the street pastors scheme, help publicise it and offer facilities towards it in the future.

Councillor Russell George, said: "The street pastors project is great news for Newtown. This scheme has backing from the Police, Powys County Council and now the town council.

"Volunteers will undertake full training and this initiative will make our streets safer.

"We should congratulate Hope Community Church on such a worthwhile project that will benefit our community so much."