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Street pastors to patrol Dumfries nightlife scene

BBC A pint of amber coloured beer sitting on a wooden bar with a set of keys next to it and blurred lights in the backgroundBBC
Late night revellers will have the assistance of taxi stewards and street pastors in Dumfries throughout the festive period

A number of measures are being introduced to keep late night revellers in Dumfries safe over the festive period.

As well as police officers on night patrol, local street pastors are being deployed throughout the town centre.

The pastors will offer assistance to those in need and provide support to the emergency services.

The service is part of a wider national initiative where trained volunteers patrol in teams of men and women in evenings and during events.

Martin Whitehead, the Dumfries and Galloway street pastor co-ordinator, said: ''Initially, we're focussing on Dumfries, but in time hope to replicate the scheme in different towns.

"There is little doubt that mental health issues are growing and, as well as practical help, we're trained to chat and signpost people we meet towards specialist help."

There will also be a number of taxi stewards working at the taxi rank on Munches Street in Dumfries.

PC Alistair Hope from the community policing team with Police Scotland said: ''It's their role to make sure people get home safely, to make sure that there's no disorder in the taxi queue and they've got a direct link to police officers and CCTV through our radio link scheme.''