Street Pastors move into new base in town centre

A NEW facility to help reduce alcohol and drugs related anti-social abuse has opened in Warrington town centre.
Help on the Corner was officially opened by High Sheriff of Cheshire Mark Mitchell in the presence of police, publicans, volunteers, church leaders and representatives of the business community.
The centre provides a base for the Street Pastors, a group of uniformed and trained volunteers from local churches who patrol Warrington from 11pm to 4 am, every Saturday and some Friday nights, to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets.
They have been working with Cheshire Police and licencees for the last three years to help reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre.  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 new space provides a hub for them to work from as well as a safe place for them to take people who may need additional help.
The former taxi office has been loaned, free of charge, by ABBA Cars and has received a much needed make over thanks to £5,000 worth of funding from the Warrington BID and support from young volunteers taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team Programme, which is managed by Groundwork.
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.
John Britton, chairman of the Street Pastors Trustees, said: “We are delighted with our new home on Bridge Street! The community has come together to improve the space both inside and out. Newly plastered and painted walls and new furniture means that we can utilise this once empty shop and maximise the impact of the Street Pastors, better support the night time economy and ultimately make the streets safer in Warrington.’
Harriet Roberts Warrington’s BID manager, said: “The Street Pastors have been a huge help over the last couple of years, so I am delighted that Help on the Corner is now open!  It’s a great example of how the BID can support crime prevention initiatives, over and above the services provided by Warrington Council and Cheshire Police, that make a real difference to our town.”
The High Sheriff of Cheshire said: “This project shows that great things can happen when official agencies, businesses and the local community collaborate for the common good.  I commend all the hard work that has gone into making Help on the Corner a reality – the long term benefits are far reaching and will continue to benefit Warrington for years to come.”
Cllr Judith Guthrie, the borough council’s cabinet member for environment and public protection, said: “The Street Pastors provide a fantastic service and are a great support for Warrington’s night time economy. I’m sure that the addition of the new premises on Bridge Street will be positively welcomed and enable people to enjoy leisure time in the town centre with the comfort of knowing help is available if needed.”