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Street pastors launch in Paisley

LOCAL officials are hoping that the new Street Pastors scheme in Paisley will have a positive impact when its first patrol begins in December.

A number of high-profile figures will attend the official launch of the group tomorrow evening, including MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, Douglas Alexander, and Lord Provost Celia Lawson.

Mr Alexander he said he was looking forward to the initiative:

"As a local MP I welcome the Street Pastors launch here in Paisley, we all know that in our community there are young people who have found themselves marginalised and who succumb to drink or drugs.

"They need people who are willing to listen, care and help - and that's what street pastors aim to do."

Reverend Peter Gill, minister at Paisley Wallneuk North Church, will give the main address, focusing on the Biblical story of the Good Samaritan.

Street Pastors is an inter-denominational Church project which aims to reach out to vulnerable partygoers in town centres. Pastors engage with people on the streets to care, listen and help.

The concept was pioneered in London in 2003 and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working across the UK.

It is believed that police officials have advised pastors to focus on the town centre area, and also at Braehead's Xscape.

Paisley Street Pastors co-ordinator Jonathan Bacon said:

"I am very confident the Paisley Street Pastors will make a noticeable difference to some of the problems that occur on the streets of Paisley and Braehead."

The launch begins tomorrow at the Christian Growth Centre, Broomlands Street, at 7pm.

Ends

Note to News Desks:

For further information please contact Gordon Bell, media relations officer, on 0131 240 2204 or email gbell@cofscotland.org.uk

nr/51/06/09

Thursday 25, June 2009

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