HELPING hands will soon be available in the town centre to those who find themselves in trouble on a Friday and Saturday night.

A vacant taxi office on Bridge Street is set to be transformed into a hub for Help on the Corner, a project that will benefit the community and help keep Warrington’s streets safe.

It is being led by the Street Pastors, a group of uniformed and trained volunteers from churches in the area who patrol Warrington, between 11pm and 4am on a Friday and Saturday night, to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets.

This can be anything from providing a bottle of water, treating minor injuries or contacting family for people who have lost phones, wallets or become separated from their friends.

Warrington Guardian: Bethany Dean from The Prince’s Trust, Isabelle Smith from Warrington BID, Dawn McElroy chair of the Warrington BID, John Britton chair of the Street Pastors and Wendy Massey, Warrington Prince's Trust team leaderBethany Dean from The Prince’s Trust, Isabelle Smith from Warrington BID, Dawn McElroy chair of the Warrington BID, John Britton chair of the Street Pastors and Wendy Massey, Warrington Prince's Trust team leader

The space has been loaned free of charge by ABBA Cars and Warrington Borough Council have agreed to suspend the business rates.

It has been made possible due to a £5,000 donation from town centre businesses via the Warrington BID and support from young volunteers taking part in The Prince’s Trust Team Programme, which is managed by Groundwork.

The initiative is also supported by Cheshire Police and Pubwatch as part of Warrington Borough Council’s night time economy task force.

John Britton, chairman of the Street Pastors trustees, said: "The last two years have been both challenging and rewarding for our volunteers, to know that we are making a difference has really spurred the team on!

"Our new home on Bridge Street will allow us to deal with the many varied situations we come across, in a safe and friendly environment.

"Sometimes it’s as simple as providing a pair of flip-flops for someone who’s broken a heel on their shoe and other times we are working closely with emergency services to treat someone who has found themselves in a difficult situation."

Warrington Guardian: Bethany Dean from The Prince’s Trust, Isabelle Smith from Warrington BID, Dawn McElroy chair of the Warrington BID, John Britton chair of the Street Pastors and Wendy Massey, Warrington Prince's Trust team leaderBethany Dean from The Prince’s Trust, Isabelle Smith from Warrington BID, Dawn McElroy chair of the Warrington BID, John Britton chair of the Street Pastors and Wendy Massey, Warrington Prince's Trust team leader

Dawn McElroy, chair of the Warrington BID, said: "One of the BID’s key themes is to promote a safer town centre and deliver investment in crime prevention initiatives, over and above the services provided by Warrington Council and Cheshire Police.

"The Street Pastors have been doing fantastic work and we are pleased to be able to help their work continue and expand.

"This project is one of many that we will be supporting over the next five years as Warrington strives for Purple Flag status."

Chief Inspector, Simon Meegan from Cheshire Police added: "The Street Pastors hard work and support has had a hugely positive impact on tackling alcohol related crime and disorder, we really do appreciate everything they do.

"I’m confident that Help on the Corner will allow them to continue and expand their great work, which benefits the community and businesses of Warrington."