A HEREFORD charity’s bid for funding has sparked debate over whether a town’s taxpayers should fund work by religious organisations.

Vennture is the Hereford charity behind the street pastors, who are volunteers working on the streets at night to support vulnerable people in the city.

The Christian charity wanted to expand its services to the Herefordshire town of Ross-on-Wye, with street presence lead Ian Purcell going to a town council meeting to discuss a request for funds.

But an argument began after Councillor Michelle Setchfield asked Mr Purcell about the charity’s religious beliefs.

Mr Purcell explained that there was no expectancy of religion for service users, with Councillors Ed O’Driscoll and Sarah Freer arguing that Councillor Setchfield’s question was “not relevant”.

Councillor Freer said: “They are Christian-based, but religion has nothing to do with what they provide.”

Councillor Setchfield, however, argued at the meeting that the term “Street pastors” implies a religious influence and highlighted that the town council should not fund religious activity.

Initially, the charity had asked for funds to set up a centre to operate from in the town, before changing its plan to operate out of a vehicle for a lower cost to the council.

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Councillor Milly Boylan said that this amounted to around £60 per night and could not be justified in Ross-on-Wye.

Councillor O’Driscoll praised the charity and said: “I have nothing but admiration for you and your team. I think what you do is amazing, and I know you save lives in Hereford regularly. Without what you do in Hereford, people would die, and you save the emergency services time and resources. This is just about if it’s right for Ross or not.”

Vennture, which according to its website is recruiting for volunteers in Ross-on-Wye, has been approached for comment.