Street Pastors Bath grew out of a vision by city centre church ministers Rob Trickey and Martin Lloyd-Williams in 2007 to share the practical love of Christ on the streets in their area. Following research of the needs and possible responses, a steering group was formed and SP Bath was launched at the Guildhall on 3rd June, 2008.
Receiving strong support by the Police and Council, District Police Commander Olivia Pinkney said 'The Bath launch was tremendously uplifting.We welcomed the commencement of the programme in Bath because there had been some anti-social behaviour in the area and the more eyes and ears out there, the better.The Street Pastors are helping to keep people safe and i have no doubt that as the programme gets underway the area will reap huge benefits and much needed social transformation'.
Bath MP Don Foster said 'The launch of Street Pastors in Bath is really exciting. Community safety is the responsibility of us all and I applaud and thank the Christian community for volunteering in this way to work with other agencies to help tackle some of the problems created by the so-called night-time economy.'
Ascension Trust Director Rev Les Isaac outlined the vision saying, ‘Bath is known around the world for its wonderful architecture – may it be known as a place of peace and safety’.
The response by the Christian community in Bath was outstanding with 59 SPs recruited coming from 26 church congregations in and around the city, ranging in age from 19 to a sprightly 76year old lady. They were to be supported by upwards of 30 prayer partners. The scheme placed itself under the umbrella of The Genesis Trust a Christian charity helping the vulnerable in the city.
At the Commissioning Service 26th September ,2008 , Mayor Tim Ball gave a big 'thank you' to Street Pastorson behalf of the city of Bath as the first patrol hit the streets. On10th January 2009 Saturday nights were added to the Friday patrols.
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