Chris Huhne
Liberal Democrat MP for Eastleigh
Huhne Congratulates Pioneering Local Street Pastors
Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne has congratulated the pioneering Fair Oak and Horton Heath Street Pastors on their second anniversary and has welcomed the news that a third street pastors group is forming in Hedge End.
The Fair Oak faith group, coordinated by residents Peter Broom and Sheena Graham, was the first in the borough and patrols the streets on Friday and Saturday evenings to make the local area safer.
Since 2008 the 24 volunteers have completed 104 tours of duty in their local areas. The scheme has been a huge success, helping along with neighbourhood policing and new youth facilities to cut crime by 37 per cent over the same period.
Chief Inspector Diana Boyles says: “I have no doubt that this success is down to the joint working of all parties in the area, but I remain convinced that the Street Pastors have played a key role in this reduction. I am thankful for their continued commitment and support they show to the community.”
Chris Huhne MP, who has experienced first hand the excellent work done by the Street Pastors both in Fair Oak and with the second group in Eastleigh itself, said that he was very impressed by the calm dedication and effectiveness of the volunteers.
“Two years ago, many constituents complained about anti-social behaviour in Fair Oak, but the situation is now much improved thanks in part to the work of the Street Pastors in conjunction with local police and improved youth facilities”, said Mr Huhne.
“Public-spirited projects such as these have a huge benefit on the local community, and the Street Pastors must be congratulated for their good work and generosity. Long may it continue.”
The success of the Street Pastors programme is now spreading to the surrounding villages of West End, Hedge End, Botley, Chandler’s Ford and Bishopstoke, who will soon have teams of their own on the streets.
ENDS
For more information email Sheena and Pete at fairoak@streetpastors.org.uk or phone 07970 543098 or visit http://www.streetpastors.co.uk.