Vacant shop to be used to help keep town’s streets safe

WORK has started to turn a vacant shop in Bridge Street, Warrington into a space that will benefit the local community and help keep the town’s streets safe.
The former taxi office is being transformed into “Help on the Corner” and will open its doors in a few months’ time.
Warrington BID – the team working to improve business in the town centre – is supporting the venture
The project is being led by the Street Pastors, a group of uniformed and trained volunteers from local churches who patrol Warrington, usually from 11pm to 4 am, on a Friday and Saturday night, to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets.
They have been working over the last two years and to help reduce anti-social behaviour and disorder in the town.
“Help on the Corner” will provide a hub for the Street Pastors and a safe place to administer practical help for those in need. This can be anything from providing a bottle of water, treating minor injuries or contacting family for people who have lost phones, wallets or become separated from their friends.
The project has been made possible due to a £5,000 donation from town centre businesses via the Warrington BID and support from young volunteers taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team Programme, which is managed by Groundwork. They have helped to clean and decorate the new premises. The initiative is also supported by Cheshire Police and Pubwatch as part of Warrington Borough Council’s night time economy task force, which aims to develop a safe, secure, enterprising, inclusive and vibrant night time economy.
The space has been loaned free of charge by ABBA Cars and Warrington Borough Council have agreed to suspend the business rates.
John Britton, chairman of the Street Pastors Trustees, said: “The last two years have been both challenging and rewarding for our volunteers, to know that we are making a difference has really spurred the team on! Our new home on Bridge Street will allow us to deal with the many varied situations we come across, in a safe and friendly environment. Sometimes it’s as simple as providing a pair of flip-flops for someone who’s broken a heel on their shoe and other times we are working closely with emergency services to treat someone who has found themselves in a difficult situation.”
Dawn McElroy, chairman of the Warrington BID, said: “One of the BID’s key themes is to promote a safer town centre and deliver investment in crime prevention initiatives, over and above the services provided by Warrington Council and Cheshire Police. The Street Pastors have been doing fantastic work and we are pleased to be able to help their work continue and expand.” Chief Inspector, Simon Meegan from Cheshire Police said: “The Street Pastors hard work and support has had a hugely positive impact on tackling alcohol related crime and disorder, we really do appreciate everything they do. I’m confident that ‘Help on the Corner’ will allow them to continue and expand their great work, which benefits the local community and businesses of Warrington.”
Pictured (L-R): Bethany Dean from The Prince’s Trust, Isabelle Smith communications and marketing officer for Warrington BID, Dawn McElroy chairman of the Warrington BID, John Britton chairman of the Street Pastors and Wendy Massey, Warrington Prince’s Trust team leader.