Are You Going To Issue Body Armour And Tasers First..?

A street pastor wants to be on hand outside schools to help children tackle problems such as bullying.

‘Street pastors’..? Aren’t they the people that…

Traditionally, street pastors are on hand in high streets to help late night revellers who may have had too much to drink.

Ah. Yes, it seems they are. Why the need to branch out?

Phil Norton, 50, the coordinator of street pastors in Billericay, wants to be on hand outside school gates across the town to help youngsters deal with certain issues. He pointed to a similar scheme in Kent, where street pastors have been used outside schools.

Mr Norton, who is a former policeman, said: “It’s all about helping people wherever and however we can. If we can help schoolchildren with whatever issues they have, then that’s great.

“The town council and police have given us their support and think it’s a good idea. Initially we will be patrolling the streets during school time, but we will be looking at going into the schools for lunch times and sessions to show the children what we do.”

Sooner you than me, chum! Today’s ‘children’ seem like threats, rather than victims…