Thu, 23rd Feb 2012

Richmond News

Candidates on the beat with Richmond's successful street pastors

By Christine Fleming

10:40am Wednesday 25th January 2012

Patrolling the streets to listen to, care for, and help people out and about late on the streets of Richmond was all in a night’s work for one Greater London Authority (GLA) candidate.

Liberal Democrat (GLA) candidate Munira Wilson and Mayor of London candidate Brian Paddick, joined a Richmond street pastors patrol on Friday, January 20, to offer assistance to late night revellers in the town centre.

Mrs Wilson said: “The Richmond street pastors are doing a fantastic job and it was great to see how they have won the trust of local party-goers, residents, police and door staff alike.

“It was a privilege to meet these volunteers who sacrifice their time and go into difficult situations to keep Richmond town centre peaceful for all our benefit.”

Richmond’s street pastors team came into existence six months ago and is manned by volunteers from local churches who offer to help people out at night, handing out lollipops and flip flops as well as removing bottles and glasses from the street to avoid them becoming weapons.

Richmond police were so impressed with the work they have given them a grant of £9,000.

For details visit streetpastors.org.uk.

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