A STREET Pastor project is to be launched in Bude in the new year.

The 21st century has thrown up a challenge both to the church and to society, with a growth in anti-social behaviour at a local level, city wide and nationally. The biggest challenge and surprise is the young age of those involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.

Some of the contributing factors are poverty, the breakdown of the family, the significant amount of children who grow up without either parent and the increased number of children excluded from school. The lack of provision and quality time given to those young people at greater risk is also a contributing factor.

Crime rates continue to increase, with many people living in fear with the perception that their neighbourhood is unsafe. In 2003 the Ascension Trust set up Street Pastors to be the link between the police, the church and local government agencies to better communities and make them a) safer and b) actively prayed for.

The church members actually stepping out and working for the community, with the police and government agencies at the point of need, on the streets.

There are now over 2,000 street pastors in the UK and the closest to Bude is at Bideford, where there have received a great welcome both by police and young people who go out in the night hours.

Members of Bude project have been out with them on various occasions to experience the reality of the 'night time economy.'

Roger Rowland (BCF, Elim Church) and Kevin Hogarth (Bude Methodist Church) went to a conference at Devon and Cornwall Police Headquarters to explore Street Pastors and considered that it is something Bude needs.

Kevin explained: "We have the support of the local police and the mayor and town council and have the support of four local churches to carry the project forward and have now received a license from Ascension Trust to launch a Street Pastors group in our town. The Falcon Hotel has kindly offered to let us use the Acland Suite for the launch of Bude Street Pastors in early February."

This occasion will be attended by an Ascension Trust co-ordinator, Devon and Cornwall Police senior officers, the Mayor of Bude, local and Cornwall councillors. Working Street Pastors from other groups and the Bude management committee will present part of the evening to local businesses, publicans and local people who have already shown an interest in developing Street

Pastors in Bude.

The event will be covered by the press, TV and radio as the official launch will be the start of interviewing and training those who wish to share in this exciting Christian adventure, leading to a team of trained Street Pastors working in Bude by Easter 2010.

Anyone who wishes to fine out more about Street Pastors can view their website http://www.streetpastors.co.uk">www.streetpastors.co.uk or if you are interested in the Bude project please contact the secretary, Debbie Prevett at [email protected]">[email protected] or chairman, Kevin Hogarth on 07960 581068.