“street pastors” could soon be roaming the streets of Perth in a radical bid to stamp out late-night crime and violence.

If proposals are given the green light, Perth would be the first Scottish town to host the project.

Church leaders have already gathered to discuss the possible introduction of street pastors similar to those operating in London, Birmingham and Manchester.

Local businessman Michael Archibald is leading the venture and is certain it would be a great success.

“Very effective street pastor projects already run south of the border and have been an excellent boost to community life,” he said.

“New branches are opening all the time in England and there are also international branches in Antigua and Germany.

“Currently there are no street pastors in Scotland, so Perth could be the first Scottish base for what is a very exciting project.”

Although very much in its infancy, Mr Archibald said there is already considerable support for the scheme.

“Church leaders who met recently will be pursuing the possibility with others who may be interested,” he added.

“This way of serving the community offers the church a really unique and exciting opportunity.”

The Rev Les Isaacs is involved in the project in London and addressed the Perth church leaders.

“Volunteers from local churches go out on the streets in pairs to show care and support for local people,” he said.

“The street pastors operate between 11pm and 4am at weekends.

“We just go out on the streets and assist anyone who needs help.

“When people have been out clubbing and drinking they often get themselves in to dangerous situations.

“The friendly face of a street pastor is often all it takes to defuse problems before they get out of hand.”

Mr Isaacs said all volunteers work “very closely” with the police and local authorities.

“We train the volunteers so they can find supportive ways to make the city centre safer for everyone,” he added.

And the minister made some bold claims regarding the success of the scheme in London.

“The caring approach of pastors around the streets for those using pubs and nightclubs has caused a 95% reduction in street crime in Camberwell and 74% in Peckham,” he said.

Anyone interested in the project at its initial stage is urged to Email michael.archibald@ googlemail.com for more information.

When contacted, a spokesman for Perth and Kinross Council said the authority was “unaware” of the proposal and would prefer not to comment at this stage.