STREET pastors could help reduce outbreaks of vandalism and under-age drinking in Honiton – by patrolling tucked away parts of the town at night.

STREET pastors could help reduce outbreaks of vandalism and under-age drinking in Honiton - by patrolling tucked away parts of the town at night.

That is the view of deputy mayor Councillor Peter Fleming.

However, he is concerned that there may not be a call for street pastors in the town centre.

When the issue of introducing a street pastor service was raised at the April meeting of Honiton Town Council, Councillor Fleming said: "I went to an initial meeting about this and, although the police were not against it, they didn't see a great need.

"In areas where street pastors have been successful, there have been high levels of crime.

"I do see a need for young people, who may have been drinking.

"But the problems here are not so great as where street pastors have been very, very successful.