Surprisingly quiet night out with the city's good Samaritans for revellers

By cjones

IT was billed Black Friday – one of the busiest nights of the year for emergency services across the country.

With office parties and Christmas celebrations in full flow, thousands of revellers were expected to fill Derby, causing headaches for police and ambulance services.

And to help make sure everyone had a safe night, a dedicated team of good Samaritans who patrol the city centre every Friday and Saturday, lending a hand to people who are drunk or cold, were gearing up for their busiest night yet.

The group of churchgoers, called the Street Pastors, had even enrolled the help of Peter Goodman, Assistant Chief Constable of Derbyshire police.

But Alasdair Kay, who helped launch the Pastors, said the night turned out to be one of the quietest he had seen.

"It was very strange," he said. "Perhaps it was the sub-zero temperatures. Or perhaps people had not been paid yet.

"But what was meant to be the toughest night of the year was one of the quietest."

The Street Pastors scheme has been running since February and its volunteers help people to find taxis and hand out food and warm blankets at the end of the night.

The aim of the project was to cut down on the violence, anti-social behaviour and potential health risks that can be a product of late-night drinking in Derby city centre.

And despite the lower number of revellers around on Friday, Assistant Chief Constable Goodman said he had been hugely impressed with the Street Pastors.

"Tonight has been a real eye-opener," he said. "The pastors are absolutely superb.

"They are so committed because of their faith. For me they are acting in a completely selfless manner and giving themselves to the community.

"I've only been out for a couple of hours and they must have spoken to at least 40 people. They are very proactive, going up to people and making sure they are all right. They are fearless."

The Pastors also pick up bottles, smooth tensions in taxi queues, give away water bottles and "spikey" bottle tops to prevent drinks being spiked, and offer flip-flops to women whose feet hurt due to high heels.

Daniel Cullen, 44, of Littleover, is a member of the pastors along with his wife, Sharon. He said violence was a big issue.

"You got a lot of fights breaking out later in the nights, usually after 1pm," he said.

"You can't wade right in there – we are not police – but you can talk to them. It's best if you can prevent a fight before it starts but even after it has kicked off it is surprising how much of a calming effect talking to people can have."

Shelly Burton, 22, of Long Eaton, was out with her friends.

She said: "I go out most Saturdays and I see the Street Pastors. To be honest, the stuff I've seen them do is awesome.

"Having people outside a club with chocolate bars and looking after you is amazing."

The scheme is the first of its kind in Derbyshire and follows successful launches in Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham.

In October they were honoured at the first Derbyshire Police Community Achievement Awards, being voted for the achievement from a list of 14 groups or individuals nominated by police.