Extra CCTV installed in Eldene to tackle anti-social behaviour

Swindon Borough Council are carrying out a community clean-up

Author: Jess PaynePublished 2nd Oct 2024
Last updated 2nd Oct 2024

Swindon Borough council are taking steps to make Eldene safer for residents.

Following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, officers from Swindon’s Community Safety Partnership (CSP) knocked on residents’ doors in July to find out how the area could be improved.

After listening to local residents, two CCTV cameras have been secured from both the Council’s Housing team and Wiltshire Police, providing full coverage of Central Eldene and all of the footpaths leading off it.

It is hoped the cameras and regular police patrols in the area will reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in the local community.

Large planters and overgrown trees will also be cut back thanks to the Borough Council’s Grounds team to make the area tidier and feel safer.

Councillor Janine Howarth, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour in our local communities is a major priority for this council, but to do that we need to listen to local residents and their concerns.

“Eldene has been plagued with anti-social behaviour over the last few years and we’re determined to do what we can to give the people that live here the peace that they deserve.

“Working with our partners we have new anti-social behaviour wardens who provide a reassuring presence and our colleagues in Wiltshire Police are playing their part by stepping up patrols in the local area.

“The two new CCTV cameras will also hopefully act as a deterrent to behaviours that we do not want to see in this neighbourhood. Making Eldene a welcoming place is something residents really wanted to see improve so I’d encourage anyone who has an hour or two they can give up next Saturday to come down and help us with the community clean-up.”

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Partnerships, said: “The work taking place in Eldene by the PACT group is partnership working at its best and I am really keen that we roll out this approach to other parts of the Borough.

“We will not tolerate anti-social behaviour and criminality in our neighbourhoods and we have already shown we will take action where it is needed.”

Superintendent Guy Elkins, Swindon Commander, said: “Addressing the concerns of residents is key and issues raised by those living and working in Eldene has allowed a collective response from us – the police - and our partners to tackle anti-social behaviour in this part of Swindon. Also, we are putting in longer term plans to reduce criminality in the area.

“This is a good example of partnership working – not just between us and the local authority but also with the local community."

Hear all the latest news from across the UK on the hour, every hour, on Greatest Hits Radio on DAB, smartspeaker, at greatesthitsradio.co.uk, and on the Rayo app.