WARRINGTON Street Pastors have made their first appearance in the town centre after a special Commissioning Service at Holy Trinity Church.
The service was opened by Rev Shirley Cowan with a prayer, followed by Peter McDade, the scheme coordinator, who explained the concept of Street Pastors and showed a video of their work.
Trained Volunteers will be present on initially Friday nights and later on Friday and Saturday nights, usually between 11pm and 5am with bottles of water, flip flops, blankets and ready advice and assistance to young people in distress.
Readings were taken by Chief Superintendent Andrew Southcott representing the Chief Constable of Cheshire and Norman Banner DL on behalf of the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, two of the partners, along with the local authority, in the setting up of the project.
A very up-beat address was by Archdeacon Roger Preece, a relative newcomer to Warrington but already with a great love for the town.
Trustee Lukas Dewhirst explained the commissioning process following which the volunteers came forward with the trustees and Mike Meynell and Mark Mitchell DL, who have assisted in setting up Warrington Street Pastors and were commissioned and presented with their caps, in recognition of completing the first stages of their training.
Finally the volunteers processed out of the church led by their coordinator.
Chairman John Britton said afterwards, “I am delighted at the prospect of our volunteers assisting those involved in Warrington’s nightlife so that young people can enjoy a safer and more friendly environment. They are following the example of the Good Samaritan”.
Some of the new Street Pastors at the service
