LATE-NIGHT patrols to tackle drunkenness and antisocial behaviour are set to start on the streets of Wantage tomorrow.

A team of specially-trained Street Pastors will be out and about to offer advice and help people who have had too much to drink.

The volunteers, who will wear uniforms, are members of church congregations in Wantage and Grove.

Members of the team of 24 pastors will be on patrol each week, between 10pm on Friday and 2am on Saturday. A four-strong team will go out each week.

If the scheme proves successful, it could be extended to Grove.

It is the first time a project of this kind has been tried in Oxfordshire.

The patrols will be equipped with flip-flops to hand out to women who cannot walk in high heels after drinking – and lollipops to dish out to drunks to help prevent rowdiness by giving them the sweets to suck to keep their mouths busy.

Neil Townsend, chairman of the management committee of the Street Pastors in Wantage and Grove, said: “The preparations have gone extremely smoothly, which is thanks to the team.

“We’ve got fantastic volunteers who are passionate about helping others and are looking forward to starting.

“Training has covered a number of issues, such as rules and responsibilities and where the line on safety is.

“If four pastors go out, we want four pastors to come back.

“We’ve seen that in other areas where the scheme is running the number of problems has dropped – and we’re hoping the same thing will happen in Wantage and Grove, although we don’t have a particularly high number.

“We’ve talked with police and other groups and are sure it will be a success.”

The volunteers have completed six weeks of initial training and will get more over the next few months.

Funding has been provided by Wantage Town Council, the Vale of White Horse District Council, local churches and the pastors themselves.

Wantage’s mayor Patrick O’Leary said: “Wantage is quite an orderly place, but there are people at the weekend who are vulnerable and need help.

“I have to commend the pastors, who are giving up their own free time for the benefit of the community.”

Chief Insp Andy Boyd, police commander for the Vale of White Horse, said: “It’s an excellent way for members of the community to work in partnership with the police in making the town centres safer environments, and helping those who are vulnerable on a Friday night.”

The launch will be marked with a service at 8.30pm tomorrow at Wantage Parish Church, which will be addressed by local MP Ed Vaizey, Mr O’Leary and Insp John Turner, of Thames Valley Police.