The modern Samaritans

Oct 3 2008 by David Norbury, Chester Chronicle

CHESTER’S Lord Mayor hopes the street pastor service will be extended to cover the whole weekend.

Describing the pastors as “The Good Samaritans of today”, Cllr Brian Bailey said: “I hope the scheme will be able to be expanded to cover the whole weekend and every weekend.

“I’m looking forward to going on patrol with the pastors in the run up to Christmas to see their valuable work.”

Speaking at the launch of the service in Chester Cathedral, the Lord Mayor told councillors, business people and representatives from the emergency services that the pastors, who will patrol Chester city centre on Friday nights helping vulnerable people and those in need, will be much appreciated in Chester.

“This is Christian outreach work at its best, a practical expression of faith by providing help to people who find themselves in vulnerable situations, especially after a night out,” suggested Cllr Bailey.

“We now have street pastors, local councils and the uniformed services working together in a civic trinity to help keep our streets safe.”

Cllr Bailey added: “I’m grateful to the churches of all denominations who are organising this initiative and to the business community for its support.”