AN INITIATIVE aimed at helping drunk or vulnerable people on nights out has taken to the streets of Bicester.

Street Pastors now patrol Sheep Street, Market Square and other busy areas every Friday to provide support people.

A team of three clock on at 10.30pm and will usually be among the last people left on the streets at around 3.45am.

Bicester Street Pastors’ inaugural patrol took place earlier this month, and the team – dressed in a distinctive blue uniform – will now be a regular fixture.

It has taken almost three years for the idea to become reality and it is backed by all 10 of the local churches.

Each volunteer must complete a total of 55 hours’ training which include courses in drugs awareness, mental health, the role of street pastors, youth culture and the role of police. They must also train for the different scenarios they may encounter.

Volunteers are equipped with lollipops, space blankets, water, flipflops – for women wearing high heels who want to take them off – plasters, a container for knives and needles, and the ability to listen.

Volunteer, Dave Gordon, 49, of the Highway Christian Church, in Marsh Gibbon, near Bicester, said the response from people was “absolutely fantastic”.

He said: “Groups of teenage girls recognised us from Street Pastors in other towns.

“We are not there to say you should not be doing that. We are there to say you need to be safe and make sure they get where they are going safely and that no one takes advantage of that.

“We are definitely not there to preach. We are there to help and be caring, not judgmental.”

Street Pastors walk at a slow pace so people can approach them. They look out for people who appear to be drunk or vulnerable, or anyone who needs support.

According to the website police.uk, there were 24 reported crimes in Bicester town centre in January.

These included theft, violent crime, criminal damage, arson, drugs-related crime, public disorder, weapons-related crime and anti-social behaviour.

Sergeant Nicki Entwistle, of Bicester Police, said: “They were issuing lollypops and mixing with members of the public. There was quite a lot of intrigue over them, they had a really positive night.”

Superintendent Colin Paine said: “We feel they make a specific contribution to the night-time economy. The commitment of these volunteers is quite amazing.”