A TOP crime-fighter was out on the streets of Salisbury last week, backing up the city’s street pastors.

Angus Macpherson, the Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, joined the pastors last Thursday. In July the street pastors received a £10,000 grant from the commissioner’s Innovation Fund to pay for uniforms and training so they can conduct extra patrols on the first Thursday of each month from 10pm until 4am.

The money will also help set up a new scheme in Amesbury, in response to local demand.

The pastors offer help and advice to those requesting it and a friendly ear to those with troubles. They also defuse arguments and assist people with mental health problems. Mr Macpherson said: “I was pleased to join the volunteer street pastors last week. Notwithstanding the pouring rain and cold, they did find people the worse for wear.”

Salisbury Street Pastor coordinator Brian Percey said the street pastors were grateful for the financial support. He added: “Although Angus probably chose the wettest patrol of the year to join us, we still dealt with a couple of incidents that eased the burden on our local police.”

Salisbury Street Pastors began operation in September 2009. There are more than 50 volunteers who are on patrol on most Friday and Saturday nights.