Street Pastors' founder walks the streets of Torquay

By htaylor hannah taylor htaylor@heraldexpress.co.uk

THE founder of the Street Pastor movement has patrolled the streets of Torquay.

London-based the Rev Les Isaac, who launched the scheme more than four years ago in Brixton, joined volunteer Christians as they patrolled the streets in Torquay's clubland.

And he was impressed with its success in reassuring revellers.

He said: "I was pleased to see so many young people say thank you for what the pastors are doing.

"They know that if they get into bother or left alone, then there is someone there to help them get into a taxi.

"We saw a young person sitting alone waiting to be picked up and knowing that a responsible adult was waiting with them really helped.

"Many people said they really appreciate what we do. People who have drunk too much are vulnerable and we want to make sure they stay safe."

The Torbay Street Pastors' scheme has welcomed in 17 new volunteers.

A Commissioning Service at St Matthias Church was attended by police, church leaders, mayor Nick Bye and councillors.

Mr Isaac welcomed the new pastors: Fran Brooks, Paul Crawford, Gemma Drew, Jonathan Drew, Karen Elsdon, Peter Dunn, Andy Gibbings, Anne Haines-Nutt, Paul Lewis, Maria Long, Hillary Martin, Edith Rockett, Barbara Rubensaat, Katie Sale, Rachel Schneider, Andy White, and Annette White.

Torbay Street Pastors coordinator Ros Ede said: "The service was electric and everyone really enjoyed the evening."

"The new volunteers come from 11 different churches in the Bay and several other people volunteered to join Torbay Street Pastors.

"The newly-trained Street Pastors then went out on the streets to help with the under 18s as they left their disco and then to look out for the safety of those who were out enjoying their regular Friday night activities."

To find out more, contact Ros Ede, coordinator, on 01803 873529 or torbay@streetpastors.org.uk