Retford: Police and Crime Commissioner on the beat with Street Pastors

Street pastors were joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping who visited Retford as part of an alcohol strategy fact-finding mission for the county.
Street Pastors in Retford were joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping who is on a mission to produce an alcohol strategy for the county.Street Pastors in Retford were joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping who is on a mission to produce an alcohol strategy for the county.
Street Pastors in Retford were joined by Police and Crime Commissioner Paddy Tipping who is on a mission to produce an alcohol strategy for the county.

Mr Tipping went on the beat with the pastors on Friday night to speak to people about the key issues relating to the town centre night-time economy.

The county’s police and crime commissioner said he was ‘very impressed’ by the pastors’ dedication and commitment and praised them for doing a ‘wonderful job’ in Retford and Worksop.

“I was really impressed by the Street Pastors, who carry out their role purely voluntarily,” he said.

“The work that they do is valuable and valued, helping to keep people safe when they are in a vulnerable situation while taking pressure off the police and other emergency services.”

He added: “Volunteers across the county undertake a wide range of different roles with tremendous community spirit and they deserve all our thanks.”

Mr Tipping said he was keen to see at first hand the ‘valuable’ work the pastors do in relation to the night-time economy and revellers.

“They not only help people whose drinking has triggered problems both for themselves and those around them, but bring the community an increased sense of safety and security,” he said.

“What I saw and heard on Friday night will add to the information and insights I have been gathering in recent months about problems caused by misuse of alcohol.”

He added: “These problems rarely affect individuals alone as, more often than not, they create a ripple effect on families, public services, businesses and members of the public.

“Many of us like to have a drink or two but know when to stop. I’m now focusing with our partners on finding solutions to alcohol-induced harm and distress, including anti-social behaviour.”