SALISBURY Street Pastors are introducing new patrols in areas where young people congregate during the lighter evenings.

They will take place on the first and last Fridays of the month until October.

Patrols will include the Market Square, the Maltings, High Street, Culver Street, the Close, Queen Elizabeth Gardens, the Friary, Arts Centre, the Greencroft, Bourne Hill and Wyndham Park.

The new patrols are at the request of the police, Salisbury BID the Cathedral and Pubwatch.

Brian Percey coordinator of Salisbury Street Pastors (SSP) said: “In the past year volunteers from Salisbury Churches have already patrolled some 3,000 hours; we are extremely pleased that our local congregations have responded and have risen to the challenge of these new patrols.

“In order to meet the increased demand from our partners to support the early evening economy we have just commissioned 12 new street pastors”.

Amanda Newbery, pubwatch spokesperson said: “We are endlessly grateful to the street pastors.

"They are a wonderful group of individuals who connect with venues and customers alike, enhancing the welcoming, safe feel of our city when they are about.

"We thank them very much for this extra early streets initiative and hope that Salisbury evening customers give them a good welcome when they see them out."