This is the statement that we issued to the press today. Already we are seeing some interest.

Street Pastors beacon about to be extinguished?

ONE of the beacons of Cardiff’s weekend night life could be extinguished through lack of funding.

The city’s faithful band of Street Pastors have been familiar to late night visitors for more than two years.

Drinkers in the town centre clubs and pubs have made use of the patrolling Street Pastors for everything from helping them find a taxi home to putting flip flops on their bare or battered feet.

But funding to ensure the work continues runs out next month and so the Street Pastors will not be able to continue beyond March.

 “Like everyone, we’re feeling the economic pinch,” explained Gary Smith, who runs Cardiff Street Pastors.

 “Our statutory funding runs out next month and although we do a lot of fundraising to support the work ourselves, the shortfall is too significant to allow us to continue.

 “As things stand we will be running our last patrols next month because we have no funds guaranteed to see us beyond then.

 “It really is a huge shame because we believe we’ve done a significant work to help reduce crime on our city centre streets and to help improve the tarnished image of our capital.”

 That is a view echoed by the partners, including South Wales Police and local business owners, who work with the Street Pastors during the busy weekend evenings.

 Ahead of the Black Friday event in December, Inspector Tony Bishop said:  “As the Inspector responsible for policing Cardiff city centre, I can say from experience that the Street Pastor’s presence and assistance to South Wales Police in managing the night time economy each and every weekend is invaluable.

 “The Street Pastors provide a very reassuring presence and dealing with victims and potential victims of crime in a very caring & professional manner has a significant and positive impact on those individuals who are at times very vulnerable because of their circumstances, normally because they have had too much to drink.

“South Wales Police manage the night time economy through a partnership approach & the Street Pastors are a very vital part of that team here in Cardiff city centre.”

There are more than forty trained Street Pastors in Cardiff, and there are a number of volunteers currently waiting for their accreditation.

 “Criminologists say when people are in danger then what they need is capable guardians. That’s what Street Pastors are,” said Gary Smith.

 “In Wales’ capital city we believe we play a vital role and we have no shortage of people wanting to help, what we are lacking is the funding to ensure we can continue delivering the service and accountability we have done up to now.”

Ends

Notes for Editors:

The Street Pastors are accountable to the police and local authority as well as the Welsh Assembly Government.

Cardiff Street Pastors were funded by the Home Office previously, but funding has been cut across the board.

There is no statutory funding available to date and because of the nature of the work the service cannot be mothballed, hence notice will have to be given to terminate the street patrols from the end of March.

The Street Pastors are on the streets of Cardiff on a Friday and Saturday night from 22:00 – 04:00.

During nights where major events are held, such as the student night Carnage, the Street Pastors give up an additional night to their usual Friday and Saturday in order to help support the emergency services to ensure safety in the city.

In the last year, 15 new recruits have joined the original team as they seek to support those in need of their help after a night out.

The Street Pastors have given out over 3,000 pairs of flip flops and 2,500 bottles of water.

Gary Smith is available for interview on 07782 305738.