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Colchester: Foot patrol!
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| Support kit - street pastors Jim Howard and Shirley Newman, Sarah Fitzpatrick of Asda, the Rev John Chandler and the Rev Alison Finch, with the flip-flops and bottles of water. Picture: STEVE BRADING (77534-b) |
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Drunks who have lost their shoes while partying in Colchester are to be given free flip-flops.
Colchester street pastors patrol the streets every Friday, offering help and support to people who have had too much to drink.
They have been given about £200 worth of beach shoes and bottles of water by staff at Asda, in Turner Rise.
A recent report showed the number of binge-drinking young women is increasing, with drunk and disorderly arrests doubling in the past five years.
The Gazette spent a night on Colchester's streets to witness the scale of the drunkeness.
Town chaplain, the Rev Alison Finch, said the welcome donation would help girls who had either taken their shoes off, or broken their shoes, to avoid broken glass; the water would tackle dehydration in the summer months.
A second group of street pastors are in training to volunteer on Saturday nights, and they are expected to start next month.
For more information, visit the website below
9:23am Wednesday 7th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: trojan, Essex on 10:59am Wed 7 May 08
Marvallous, perhaps ASDA can also provide free taxis for the drunks and someone to make them a cup of tea, clear up their vomit and tuck them into bed when they get to where they are going. ASDA would be better off providing funds for needy kids in the area and food and itmes so that kids in need can eat and have clothes on their back. If drunks are so drunk they lose their shoes tuff s**t
Marvallous, perhaps ASDA can also provide free taxis for the drunks and someone to make them a cup of tea, clear up their vomit and tuck them into bed when they get to where they are going. ASDA would be better off providing funds for needy kids in the area and food and itmes so that kids in need can eat and have clothes on their back. If drunks are so drunk they lose their shoes tuff s**t
Posted by: Gatz, Chelmsford on 11:15am Wed 7 May 08
Oh for goodness sake! What sort of idiot gets so drunk that they lose their shoes? And how? I'm sure the street pastors are well intentioned but surely they can find more deserving recipients of their charity.
Oh for goodness sake! What sort of idiot gets so drunk that they lose their shoes? And how? I'm sure the street pastors are well intentioned but surely they can find more deserving recipients of their charity.
Posted by: mumof1, Colchester on 11:48am Wed 7 May 08
U don't "lose" your shoes they hurt so much that you just leave them somewhere or walk along carrying them, I've done it many times! not now i'm a sensible mummy tho, of course!
Agree it is self inflicted though and the charity could be given to the more deserving.
U don't "lose" your shoes they hurt so much that you just leave them somewhere or walk along carrying them, I've done it many times! not now i'm a sensible mummy tho, of course!
Agree it is self inflicted though and the charity could be given to the more deserving.
Posted by: Say It As It Is, Clackers on 12:09pm Wed 7 May 08
I think in light of the disaster thats unfolding in Burma, helping out drunks who have inflicted their own loss is seriously misguided.
I think in light of the disaster thats unfolding in Burma, helping out drunks who have inflicted their own loss is seriously misguided.
Posted by: julieee, colchester on 12:11pm Wed 7 May 08
amazing..........a stupid intiative that Colchester coucil aren't paying for!! did they miss this one? why not put all the drunks in the VAF and have done with it?
amazing..........a stupid intiative that Colchester coucil aren't paying for!! did they miss this one? why not put all the drunks in the VAF and have done with it?
Posted by: Mylander, Colchester on 12:16pm Wed 7 May 08
What a great deterrent, I would definitely think twice about getting drunk in Colchester town centre now, the prospect of being preached at by a happy clapper bearing gifts whilst intoxicated is not pleasant!
What a great deterrent, I would definitely think twice about getting drunk in Colchester town centre now, the prospect of being preached at by a happy clapper bearing gifts whilst intoxicated is not pleasant!
Posted by: s on 12:21pm Wed 7 May 08
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/wales/7151379
.stm
Before the nimbys of colchester go off on one about somebody daring to enjoy themselves I would suggest that they read the BBC page above.
Good luck to the all involved in this project at least someone cares what happens in this town rather than whining on about how badly behaved young people are.
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/wales/7151379
.stm
Before the nimbys of colchester go off on one about somebody daring to enjoy themselves I would suggest that they read the BBC page above.
Good luck to the all involved in this project at least someone cares what happens in this town rather than whining on about how badly behaved young people are.
Posted by: Poppy, Colchester on 1:09pm Wed 7 May 08
Let's hope Asda can be as generous when it is time for the poppy appeal, following the fiasco last year!
Let's hope Asda can be as generous when it is time for the poppy appeal, following the fiasco last year!
Posted by: Bob, Manningtree on 3:35pm Wed 7 May 08
Call me daft, but weren't shoes invented to make walking comfortable? To those who have to take them off to avoid pain - buy a pair that don't hurt!
Call me daft, but weren't shoes invented to make walking comfortable? To those who have to take them off to avoid pain - buy a pair that don't hurt!
Posted by: Red Tape, Colchester on 3:42pm Wed 7 May 08
Instead of criticising them people should recognise that they are actually doing what Christianity is often accused of failing to do - i.e. helping others in need without judging them. Good luck to them - our society is in serious need of people who simply care about others and take the time to listen to them.
Instead of criticising them people should recognise that they are actually doing what Christianity is often accused of failing to do - i.e. helping others in need without judging them. Good luck to them - our society is in serious need of people who simply care about others and take the time to listen to them.
Posted by: The Doctor, Colchester on 3:49pm Wed 7 May 08
I'm off to spain in 4 weeks, I need some flip-flops, Now all I need to do is go and get pi##ed in town on Friday night!!!! Result
I'm off to spain in 4 weeks, I need some flip-flops, Now all I need to do is go and get pi##ed in town on Friday night!!!! Result
Posted by: Feisty CBC, Colchester on 6:39pm Wed 7 May 08
Hope the flip flops are of better quality than the plastic rubbish Asda pass off as shoes :>
Hope the flip flops are of better quality than the plastic rubbish Asda pass off as shoes :>
Posted by: speechless, colchester on 6:42pm Wed 7 May 08
A swift kick up the backside would be a better option- another example of squandering money on idiots who don't appreciate it.
A swift kick up the backside would be a better option- another example of squandering money on idiots who don't appreciate it.
Posted by: Royston Orbison, berechurch on 6:48pm Wed 7 May 08
I wish we would just stop "flip-flopping" around with looney ideas like this.
What these people need is the birch. Drinking? DRINKING? Its not right I tell you. Bring back the short sharp shock
I wish we would just stop "flip-flopping" around with looney ideas like this.
What these people need is the birch. Drinking? DRINKING? Its not right I tell you. Bring back the short sharp shock
Posted by: john, dark side of the moon on 7:07pm Wed 7 May 08
[quote][bold]Royston Orbison[/bold] wrote:
I wish we would just stop "flip-flopping" around with looney ideas like this. What these people need is the birch. Drinking? DRINKING? Its not right I tell you. Bring back the short sharp shock[/quote] that actually made me laugh out loud.
But is birching people who bring hundreds of thousands if not millions of pounds in revenue to the town centre enough?
Royston Orbison wrote:
I wish we would just stop "flip-flopping" around with looney ideas like this. What these people need is the birch. Drinking? DRINKING? Its not right I tell you. Bring back the short sharp shock
that actually made me laugh out loud.
But is birching people who bring hundreds of thousands if not millions of pounds in revenue to the town centre enough?
Posted by: shoeless, mistley on 7:35pm Wed 7 May 08
when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?
when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?
Posted by: Muffdiver, Colchester on 8:28pm Wed 7 May 08
Church Pastors if you want to be important then join the Police. You are effectively condoning binge drinking. Get a life you lot. Asda you are a disgrace. Try donating the equivalent in cash to abused children. I am so angry!
Church Pastors if you want to be important then join the Police. You are effectively condoning binge drinking. Get a life you lot. Asda you are a disgrace. Try donating the equivalent in cash to abused children. I am so angry!
Posted by: Gemma, Colchester, New Town on 9:05pm Wed 7 May 08
you can just imagine the people handing out the flip flops asking what size you need do they really think if some one is that drunk that they will get a polite answer? asboultely stupid, or somebody turing round and saying i would rather have bare feet then what are they going to do!!
you can just imagine the people handing out the flip flops asking what size you need do they really think if some one is that drunk that they will get a polite answer? asboultely stupid, or somebody turing round and saying i would rather have bare feet then what are they going to do!!
Posted by: joeyb, The Town on 10:22pm Wed 7 May 08
WTF! I know Colchester is full of drunk goons most nights, but most seem to be wearing shoes. Can't imagine there is really that much of a call for this service... what an idiot!
WTF! I know Colchester is full of drunk goons most nights, but most seem to be wearing shoes. Can't imagine there is really that much of a call for this service... what an idiot!
Posted by: Dave, Colchester on 10:51pm Wed 7 May 08
Now i've heard everything!
flip flops for drunk people who have lost their shoes.
Maybe we should supply them with jackets also
for when they are too cold and have decided to go out of a night time wearing not enough.
Who the hell makes these stupid decisions?
While we are at it, lets pad lamp posts and pavements with foam so no one falls and hurts themselves.
This shouldn't even be a news article.
As usual in a nanny state climate the things that matter in this town get ignored and the ridiculous makes the news.
Here's an idea for you Mr.Policeman.
Arrest the drunk and disorderly!
Mind you sitting here in my coffee break me thinks that a few more cells would have to be built.
And while you're at it install the cells with a few pairs of slippers - just in case!
Now i've heard everything!
flip flops for drunk people who have lost their shoes.
Maybe we should supply them with jackets also
for when they are too cold and have decided to go out of a night time wearing not enough.
Who the hell makes these stupid decisions?
While we are at it, lets pad lamp posts and pavements with foam so no one falls and hurts themselves.
This shouldn't even be a news article.
As usual in a nanny state climate the things that matter in this town get ignored and the ridiculous makes the news.
Here's an idea for you Mr.Policeman.
Arrest the drunk and disorderly!
Mind you sitting here in my coffee break me thinks that a few more cells would have to be built.
And while you're at it install the cells with a few pairs of slippers - just in case!
Posted by: A View From Afar, Colchester on 6:30am Thu 8 May 08
Isn't it time these "politically correct" do gooders stopped to think about what they are doing.....handing out water and shoes to drunken girls?
From the comments here their actions are not supported by the majority.
ASDA, I suggest you give you charity money to a more deserving cause....suggest St Helena's Hospice is a good start!
Isn't it time these "politically correct" do gooders stopped to think about what they are doing.....handing out water and shoes to drunken girls?
From the comments here their actions are not supported by the majority.
ASDA, I suggest you give you charity money to a more deserving cause....suggest St Helena's Hospice is a good start!
Posted by: It Is As It Is, Col on 6:37am Thu 8 May 08
But, but, but these flipflops are only available in pale green! What self respecting drunk would dream of wearing such a colour!
Why isn't there a choice of colours?
(well maybe [bold]self respecting[/bold] is a bit OTT)
But, but, but these flipflops are only available in pale green! What self respecting drunk would dream of wearing such a colour!
Why isn't there a choice of colours?
(well maybe
self respecting is a bit OTT)
Posted by: ????, ex colcheter on 10:00am Thu 8 May 08
what about supplying those who lose their knickers with replacements after a night on the tiles!!! lol
this is sooooo bad,time people got their priorities right me thinks.[bold]bold[/bold]
what about supplying those who lose their knickers with replacements after a night on the tiles!!! lol
this is sooooo bad,time people got their priorities right me thinks.
Posted by: Lol on 10:46am Thu 8 May 08
Flip flops are not the easiest footwear to wear at the best of times.Goodness knows how a drunk is supposed to wear them without falling over.Watch out for the first compensation claim Asda.
If they are stupid enough to get so drunk they lose their shoes ,then let them walk home without them.
There are plenty of deserving causes that Asda could have donated to instead of this one.
I DO ,however applaud the street pastors who go out in the late evening to help others ,but feel that a drunk tank may be a better way forward for the fools who think it is ok to drink themselves silly and leave the consequences of thier actions for others to clear up.
Put em all in a holding area until they sober up ,then give them a broom and bucket and make them clear up their mess.Why should our cleaners have to do it for them.
Flip flops are not the easiest footwear to wear at the best of times.Goodness knows how a drunk is supposed to wear them without falling over.Watch out for the first compensation claim Asda.
If they are stupid enough to get so drunk they lose their shoes ,then let them walk home without them.
There are plenty of deserving causes that Asda could have donated to instead of this one.
I DO ,however applaud the street pastors who go out in the late evening to help others ,but feel that a drunk tank may be a better way forward for the fools who think it is ok to drink themselves silly and leave the consequences of thier actions for others to clear up.
Put em all in a holding area until they sober up ,then give them a broom and bucket and make them clear up their mess.Why should our cleaners have to do it for them.
Posted by: taxi debs, colchester rank on 11:26am Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]shoeless[/bold] wrote:
when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?[/quote] yes but they will give you two left ones lol
shoeless wrote:
when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?
yes but they will give you two left ones lol
Posted by: Partyboy, Saarfend on 12:35pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]taxi debs[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]shoeless[/bold] wrote: when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?[/quote] yes but they will give you two left ones lol [/quote] Flew right over your head that one eh.....
taxi debs wrote:
shoeless wrote: when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?
yes but they will give you two left ones lol
Flew right over your head that one eh.....
Posted by: taxi debs, colchester on 5:30pm Thu 8 May 08
[quote][bold]Partyboy[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]taxi debs[/bold] wrote: [quote][bold]shoeless[/bold] wrote: when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?[/quote] yes but they will give you two left ones lol [/quote] Flew right over your head that one eh.....[/quote] pmsl xx
Partyboy wrote:
taxi debs wrote: shoeless wrote: when im out dancing and boozing people say ive got 2 left feet...does this mean i will be given flip-flips ?
yes but they will give you two left ones lol
Flew right over your head that one eh.....
pmsl xx
Posted by: Waltergabrial, Great Tey on 8:55pm Thu 8 May 08
Typical Asda, One lot of Chaves helping out another lot of Chaves
Typical Asda, One lot of Chaves helping out another lot of Chaves
Posted by: Imelda Marcos, Harwich on 9:43pm Thu 8 May 08
Hey maybe we should all get mullered, take off our shoes and go, on mass, into Asda asking for our free flip-flops and bottle of water. Would be interesting to see what response we would get!! lmao
Hey maybe we should all get mullered, take off our shoes and go, on mass, into Asda asking for our free flip-flops and bottle of water. Would be interesting to see what response we would get!! lmao
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