Singing praises of Street Angels (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Volunteers are now a valuable part of life in the city, but more are needed

9:30pm Saturday 12th December 2009 in News By James Rush

A group of volunteers who provide a protective presence on the streets of Bradford every weekend have celebrated their second anniversary.

The Street Angels have become minor celebrities to revellers since they started their patrols in December, 2007.

Co-founders, the Reverend Chris Howson and John Dinsdale, took inspiration from a similar scheme in Halifax.

Since then the Bradford group has gone from strength to strength.

Last month, Mr Howson and Mr Dinsdale were honoured for their commitment to the people of Bradford in leading the Street Angels at an event hosted by Chief Superintendent Alison Rose, divisional commander for Bradford South.

Mr Dinsdale, chairman of the Street Angels trustees, said: “When we first started we started off with 40 volunteers and took some inspiration from the Halifax programme which has been running there for four years. We started patrols on December 7, 2007, with 40 volunteers.

“Since then we have had more than 220 volunteers come through and we have 90 volunteers now – and we need 90 volunteers each month to run effectively.”

The volunteers regularly prevent tragic or criminal incidents taking place, either by their actions or by high-visibility presence. In May, 2008, the Street Angels lived up to their name when they saved the life of a woman who collapsed outside a city centre nightclub after her drink was apparently spiked.

Mr Dinsdale said: “The police have reported a 22 per cent reduction in violent crimes in the last two years.

“What the Street Angels are able to do is take the more minor incidents away from the police.”

He said he expected the group to carry on improving.

He said: “People know they can approach the Street Angels and obviously we are not going to judge people because they are drunk or tell them they shouldn’t be drinking.

“We want people to come to Bradford and enjoy the nightlife and enjoy a drink, but make sure they are safe. If it prevents one person being the victim of crime then it is time well spent.”

The group has also been approached by cities and towns across the country for advice on how to set up similar schemes.

Meanwhile, Bradford’s Street Angels took part in a police operation in the city at the weekend aimed at protecting women from sex attacks.

Operation Northdale is being held by police to encourage female revellers to stay safe as assaults on women have been shown to increase at this time of year.

Sergeant Claire Pollard briefed the Street Angels on how to raise awareness of how to stay safe on a night out.

Sgt Pollard said: “It’s about raising awareness to women vulnerable to sexual offences while in drink.”