PLANS for good Samaritans to patrol the streets of Oswestry and offer a helping hand to vulnerable revellers are becoming reality.

Tony Durnell, of Oswestry Street Angels, said that the group is in talks with Shropshire Council for a town centre base.

Co-founder Tony Durnell said: "No matter how many people there are helping it always take time and effort to do it right, no more so than our Oswestry Street Angels project that is slowly but surely becoming a reality.

"Shropshire Council are in talks with us at this moment regarding finding us a town centre base, that we will use as a ‘safe place’ on patrol, also a place where we can either request taxis, parents or friends to help get the most vulnerable home in a safe and proper manner."

Mr Durnell and Glen Perkins – also part of Shropshire Street Angels –formed the group after discussions with the Oswestry Safer Neighbourhood Policing Team and John Campion, police and crime Commissioner for West Mercia.

Mr Durnell added that a Mothers Union group near Oswestry will for goods that to run the operation

We have been advised to writ to the Mayor of Oswestry to see if the Town Council might find some cash to help such as a start up grant..

Mr Durnell added: “We still need more people to come forward and give us approximately six to seven hours on a Saturday night, one Saturday per month.

"We are looking to try and recruit 20, they have to be eighteen years or above, we do not ask if they are male or female, we do not ask what faith they have or not but we do have to have everyone checked by the DBS.

"What matters is that you want to do something within the community to help your community to be a safer place to live, work and be entertained in."

The groups says that Mr Campion backs the Oswestry Street Angels fully and has offered any help needed to make it a success.

"He has also ring fenced a sum of money to help cover some of our start up expenses that will be managed by his local community ambassador, Graham Oliver," Mr Durnell added.

Both Tony and Glen hope that the Churches Together in Oswestry will become part of the partnership.

Anyone interested in the Street Angels project can call 01743 360 593 or email shropshirestreetangels.oswestry@gmail.com