A GLASGOW minister is on a mission to make the city's streets safer.

A team of crime-busting Street Pastors, headed up by the Reverend Peter Dunn, will be patrolling the city centre from January to help cut drink-related violence.

The idea is that the pastors will offer advice in a non-confrontational way before trouble starts.

Results from a similar project in London have shown a 95% reduction in street crime in one area.

A team of 60 volunteers, drawn from different faiths, will patrol Sauchiehall Street on Saturday nights from 10pm - 5am.

The Reverend Dunn, of Queen's Park Baptist Church, said: "It started in the African community in some areas of London which have similar problems to Glasgow.

"It's about getting on side and offering support where we can.

"Statistics show crime has fallen significantly in areas where this has been used in London.

"The success was dependent on how far the policing plan was deployed. Strathclyde Police have a very visible presence in the city centre at weekends.

"We are not there to enforce the law, we are there to offer support.

"It frees up the police to deal with more serious crimes."

It is hoped the pilot, which is backed by Strathclyde Police, will be extended to other areas of the city and a similar scheme may also be launched in Paisley next year.

The street pastors are aged between 18 and 65 and they insist the work they do is not aimed at preaching or conversion.

Each pastor is trained in drug awareness, counselling skills and street safety to equip them to offer help to the homeless and people with addiction problems.

The Street Pastors initiative was launched in April 2003 in London by the Rev Les Isaac, as a direct response to increased violent crime and anti-social behaviour.

The initiative is now running in 55 locations around the UK including Inverness, Perth and Aberdeen.

What do you think?
EDDIE DOBBIE, 53, city centre, security guard "It won't work. Young people won't listen to anyone. What we need is longer prison sentences for people who get drunk and causing violence. "Smoking has been banned in public places but not alcohol, yet drink is much worse than cigarettes. It lets young people think it's OK to get drunk."	GILLIAN ADAMSON, 17, East Kilbride, student: "I don't think this will work, I think the majority of people wouldn't care what a minister said to them. I would maybe think twice if a young female spoke to me as it would be someone I could relate to. I don't think many girls would listen to advice from older male ministers - they can't relate to them."	CONNIE FRIEL, 64, Giffnock, retired: "I think this would be lovely if it worked but I don't think it will. Young people just won't listen, anything to do with religion is out of the window for them."	JIM FRIEL, 64, Giffnock, retired: "As sad as it is, young people just won't take any notice. If they don't listen to their parents they're not going to listen to a minister they don't know."

In Southwark, South London, a nine-month police evaluation recorded up to a 95% reduction in calls relating to public disorder whenever the Pastors were deployed.

The scheme is a partnership between Strathclyde Police, Glasgow Community Safety Partnership and Queen's Park Baptist Church.

Campbell Corrigan, acting Assistant Chief Constable for Crime, said: "Strathclyde Police is absolutely committed to providing a safe environment within Glasgow city centre, particularly at the weekend when the night time economy is at its peak.

"So to this end, we very much welcome the inclusion of the street pastors.

"Their input will be of great benefit to the community and we look forward to working alongside them."