THE GUARDIAN angels of Rugby’s nightlife have received a windfall to help them keep town centre revellers safe.
Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe presented a cheque for just under £8,000 to Rev Simon Whitley, Chair of Rugby Street Pastors Management Team, at the organisation’s annual Commissioning Service and AGM at Rugby Elim Church.
The funds were part of a £2.3million Commissioner Grant Scheme, which invites bids to fund local projects that support the victims of crime, and help reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Seccombe said: “I know from the conversations I have with the Rugby policing teams that the work the Street Pastors do is extremely valued and make a big contribution to safety in the town’s night-time economy.
“By engaging with people as they enjoy a night out, the Street Pastors can often de-escalate tensions and prevent issues from spiraling to a point where a police presence is required, as well as helping to look out for people who might be vulnerable and need assistance.
“I place a strong emphasis in my Police and Crime Plan on protecting people from harm and this is why I am pleased to provide funding from my grants scheme to enable this work to continue.”
Rugby Street Pastors’ Coordinator Dawn Thurkettle said: “Our conversations and interactions with people we meet in the night time economy is the top of our list of what we enjoy doing as Street Pastors.
“To greet all people in a non-judgemental manner with a friendly smile and a lollipop is a great icebreaker for conversation and diffuser of any agitation or conflict that may be arising.
“We take time and patience to listen to people, they trust us and enjoy friendly conversation about all aspects of their life. People celebrate with us, they cry with us and they draw support from us.”
