THE newly-formed Hebden Bridge Street Angels say they are shocked at the under age drink and drug abuse their patrols have uncovered in the town.
And after witnessing at first hand a "shocking culture of under age drinking" as well as open use of suspected drugs, the group of church-based volunteers say they are determined to make a difference.
Baptist minister Marcus Bull, one of 12 Street A
ngels, said: "We knew one of the problems in Hebden Bridge was a culture of underage drinking, but it was shocking to see the amount of alcohol being carried around the town in plastic carrier bags by under 18s.
"Even more shocking was coming across a group of approximately 50 youngsters drinking around the picnic tables in the park – some were also openly taking suspected Class A drugs.
"The next Friday was a lot more quiet but at the end of the shift we also had to call an ambulance for a 14-year-old who had been drinking all evening and was very poorly indeed."
The volunteer group operates Hope Baptist Church in the picturesque town famed for its tourism.
They have been running the Friday night patrols since June 12 between 8pm and 11pm.
Mr Bull said the shock has merely strengthened their resolve to help tackle under age drinking in the town.
"Seeing some of the things we have seen has proved to us there is an important job to be done in Hebden Bridge.
"As we walked the streets, it was clear we have the good will of many in our town.
"Apart from one or two with bad attitudes, we received a warm reception from the whole of our community."
Police in the town say tackling youth drinking and anti-social behaviour is one of their main priorities.
Upper Valley Neighbourhood Inspector Derrick Oldham said: "There is a culture among youths of buying alcohol if they can and drinking in public places but it happens across Calderdale.
"The drug side does bother me and if our officers did see that it would be dealt with swiftly and appropriately."
