The man in charge of policing South Holland has called on church members in the area to back a new Street Pastors scheme ahead of a crucial meeting this weekend.
Insp Jim Tyner, community policing inspector for Spalding, praised the “valuable role” Street Pastors played in volunteering to help vulnerable people get home safely at night.
A series of information events about the planned scheme in Spalding gets under way at The Lighthouse Church, Haverfield Road, Spalding, on Saturday at 7.30pm and organisers are hoping volunteers will attend and sign up for the scheme.
Insp Tyner said: “I am fully supportive of the principle of having Street Pastors in Spalding as I believe they provide a valuable role in supporting vulnerable people and making communities safer.
“Lincolnshire Police and South Holland District Council have been working closely with Churches Together in Spalding and District to see how we could introduce Street Pastors in the town as it has been very well received in other communities across the county.
“Street Pastors do not replace the emergency services but they will be there to support vulnerable people, possibly through drink, in staying safe and getting home safely.”
Pastor Chas Sandhu, minister of The Lighthouse Church and part of the scheme’s management team, said: “We’re looking forward to the information evenings and would like to encourage any church members in South Holland who are interested in becoming a Street Pastor to attend.”