A NIGHTTIME initiative to help keep people safe and reduce anti-social behaviour in the town centre has officially opened.

Help on the Corner will provide a base for the Street Pastors, a group of uniformed and trained volunteers from churches who patrol Warrington from 11pm to 4am every Saturday and some Friday nights, to care for, listen to and help people who are out on the streets.

They also provide bottles of water, treat minor injuries or contact family for people who have lost phones, wallets or become separated from their friends.

Now, there is a new addition in the project, a former taxi office in the town centre loaned free of charge by ABBA cars.

More than £5,000 worth of funding from Warrington BID and support from youngsters in The Prince's Trust programme has transformed the space into a safe base.

Help on the Corner was opened by by Mark Mitchell Esq. DL, High Sheriff of Cheshire with support from the wider community.

John Britton, chairman of the Street Pastors Trustees, said: "We are delighted with our new home on Bridge Street.

"The community has come together to improve the space both inside and out.

"Newly plastered and painted walls and new furniture means that we can utilise this once empty shop and maximise the impact of the Street Pastors, better support the night time economy and ultimately make the streets safer in Warrington."

Harriet Roberts, Warrington’s BID Manager, said: "The Street Pastors have been a huge help over the last couple of years, so I am delighted that Help on the Corner is now open!

"It’s a great example of how the BID can support crime prevention initiatives, over and above the services provided by Warrington Council and Cheshire Police, that make a real difference to our town."