Street pastors seek more late-night Telford help
A recruitment drive has been launched in Telford to double the number of street pastors ready for a boom in the town's night-time economy.
It is hoped the number of street pastors covering Telford town centre and Wellington will rise from about 18 to more than 40 before a new 11-screen cinema, restaurants, bars and a hotel open next year as part of the £250 million Southwater development.
And a recruitment event will be held at the Chapel of Christ the King at Meeting Point House in Telford on Sunday in a bid to attract new faces.
Project leaders say more people will be needed out on patrol to cover Telford town centre on both Fridays and Saturdays and to cater for the increased number of people out at night. Currently the pastors cover Telford town centre on Fridays nights and Wellington on Saturday nights.
Rev Keith Osmund-Smith, lead co-ordinator of the street pastors, said if numbers grow they hope to cover every Saturday.
Since the scheme began in July 2011 it has been praised by police for bringing about a 10 per cent drop in crime.
During that time street pastors have also given away 3,102 lollipops, which organisers say help to diffuse situations, 446 pairs of flip-flops for women having difficulty walking in heels and 223 space blankets to keep people warm.
For more information about the scheme contact Kay Bennett on (01952) 291904.
