A NEW team of Street Pastors will help to provide a calming influence on Stroud’s nightlife.

Officially launching on Thursday, July 17, Street Pastors Stroud will begin recruiting and training voluntary members after a licensing agreement was agreed between police, Stroud District Council and local churches. They will take to the streets from Autumn. Working Saturday nights between 10pm and 4am, Street Pastors will look out for anybody in trouble and provide a Christian presence that will listen, talk and care.

Street Pastors reassure folk who feel vulnerable and help reduce the risk of crime- providing practical help and support.

Since being pioneered in London in January 2003 the team has achieved remarkable results, including a 90 per cent reduction in street crime in some areas. There are now over 100 teams in the UK, including groups in Cirencester, Cheltenham and Gloucester.

A volunteer meeting will be held at St Laurence Church, Stroud, at 7.30pm on Thursday where the Street Pastors team are welcoming people keen to find out more, or would be interested in joining.

The inter-denominational church movement is inviting anyone to join, providing they are above 18-years-old, attend a local church and have a positive reference from a member of a church they have attended for at least a year.

For more information on becoming a Street Pastor contact street.pastors.stroud@gmail.com