Street pastors keeping town safe

The scheme was first pioneered in London four years ago

Trained street pastors have taken to the streets of a Surrey town in a new scheme aimed at keeping it crime-free.

The uniformed officers are patrolling Epsom once a month on Friday nights, offering advice on such things as drug awareness and street safety.

The initiative has been launched by local churches, and involves ordinary Christian people who have been trained to care, listen and help others.

Peter Wright, senior street pastor, said it would bring reassurance.

"Giving someone your undivided attention for even five minutes can be a rare and powerful experience for many people," he explained.

'Little bit rowdy'

The project is the brainchild of the Reverend Les Isaac, of the Ascension Trust, and was first pioneered in London in January 2003.

Street pastors are now a familiar sight in towns and cities across the UK, with more than 700 trained and crime falling as a result.

The Epsom scheme is backed by the police and the local council.

Supt Gerry Westerham, of Surrey Police, said the invaluable initiative would help make Epsom, which could be a "little bit rowdy" on Friday and Saturday nights, a safer place.

It is hoped a recruitment drive will increase the street patrols from monthly to weekly, and that the scheme will expand across Surrey.