Newbury Street Pastors back patrolling the town centre

NEWBURY'S "flipflop and lollipop brigade" - its team of Street Pastors who patrol the streets of the town centre - are back on the beat.

Street Pastors are a team of volunteers who offer reassurance, support, and comfort to people out in the town centre on Saturday nights and into the early hours.

Referred to affectionately as 'the night-time Mums and Dads', they dispense water, lollipops, flip-flops and some words of comfort to those who may be worse for wear, isolated, homeless or vulnerable.

Chairman of the Newbury Street Pastors, Phil Laybourne, said: “We have played an active part in strengthening community life and we collaborate closely with the police and the hospitality sector, getting involved in practically responding to the problems of crime and safety.”

The stop-start nature of the pandemic has meant that many clubs and organisations have struggled to keep going. The street pastors were affected with many pubs, clubs and restaurants closed and the night-time economy at a standstill.

But the team is back on patrol this month as the country continues to move out of its third lockdown.

Street Pastor Eve Hughes said that a typical night involved checking in with the police for a situation report, including reports of missing people, followed by patrolling the town centre.

Helping people with directions, needing water or handing out lollipops and flipflops, even strapping up the ankle of a girl who had hurt it while wobbling around in her high heels are all part of a night's work.

Inspector Mark Tucker of the Newbury and Thatcham Neighbourhood Policing team said: "Historically Newbury town centre has experienced a high number of antisocial behaviour incidents. The presence of Street Pastors on the streets has undeniably had a positive and calming effect and it allows us to channel our resources to best affect.”

The street pastors plan to stage a commissioning ceremony in the Market Square on June 26 to re-commit themselves to their ministry on the streets of Newbury.

Mr Laybourne said: “We are always looking for new team members as volunteer numbers remain tight. With 15 active Street Pastors we are right on the limit of being able to support a five team shifts of three people, so we are always looking for new volunteers.”

He added that the team was keen to expand its service into daytime shifts, and want to hear from anyone interested in offering their support.

Newbury Street Pastors can be contacted via newbury@steetpastors.org.uk