The proposed street pastors initiative for Pembroke took a huge leap forward last week when a substantial group of Christians representing nine different churches agreed to establish a scheme in their town.

"The Haverfordwest Street Pastors initiative has been running very successfully for the past five years," explained Rob James, pastor of Westgate Evangelical Chapel, Pembroke, "and the leader, Andrew Scadden, has been of immense help all the way through the process so far. We have spent time reflecting on the way street pastors operate both locally and nationally and believe the time is right for us to offer its immense benefits to the people of our community.

"Having said that, our horizon is not limited to just Pembroke. We had a representative from a Pembroke Dock there too (Bethel Baptist Church) and when the time is right we can foresee the scheme extending there too."

Street pastors is an inter-denominational church response to urban problems, engaging with people on the streets to care, listen and dialogue. It was pioneered in London in January 2003 by Rev. Les Isaac, director of the Ascension Trust, who visited Pembroke recently, and has seen some remarkable results, including drops in crime in areas where teams have been working.

There are now some 9,000 trained volunteers in around 250 teams around the United Kingdom. Each project is set-up by Ascension Trust and run by a local co-ordinator with support from Ascension Trust and local churches and community groups, in partnership with police, council and other statutory agencies.

"We have the full support of the local police," Rob James continued, "and I am delighted that I have such a good working relationship with Rev. G. Howells, who is the local police chaplain. We are hoping and praying that we can have the same impact in our district as street pastors have had elsewhere throughout the United Kingdom. Crime rates drop and people feel valued. We will not be there to preach at people, but to show them unconditional love and through that demonstrate something of the love of God.

"We are now in the process of establishing a steering group that will move things forward as quickly as possible. We intend to organise the training sessions in the immediate future, as well as making contact with elected members and statutory agencies. If anyone wants to know more or has an interest in being part of this Christian initiative, they can contact me at [email protected]">[email protected] or call 07870 475773."