THE Wellington Street Pastors have been supported by local councillors with a grant of £2,000.

The church-based street pastors walk around the town every second Friday night to make sure people are safe and to offer a comforting arm or words to anyone who might be in need of a friendly person.

Members of Wellington Town Council’s policy and finance committee agreed on July 13 to back the application which will be used to recruit and train new street pastors to replace those who retired during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Councillors also heard that the money would help to increase the frequency of Friday night patrols in Wellington.

Cllr Janet Lloyd said: “I’ve been out with the street pastors on patrol before and they a very good job. I’m totally supportive of this application.”

The street pastors are an inter-denominational church response to urban problems - engaging with people on the streets during the night-time economy.

The initiative is designed to provide a reassuring presence in local communities. The street pastors look to listen to and talk with people in their local community, to provide information on local agencies, help and services, and to discourage anti-social behaviour.

Practical help provided by street pastors include handing out flip-flops to women unable to walk home in their high-heeled footwear, giving out water, chocolate for energy, personal alarms and ensuring the safety of vulnerable persons.

Street pastors also remove bottles and other potential weapons from the streets in order to discourage violence and vandalism.

They have built-up a good relationship with those people out in the town centre over a 16-year history of the Wellington Street Pastors.

The current Mayor, Cllr Mark Lithgow, once said: “The street pastors do fantastic work in Wellington and the young people trust them. It’s an invaluable service.”