Commitment to tackling anti-social behaviour in Eldene
The Swindon Community Safety Partnership are holding a number of community engagement events this week
If you're in Eldene, you're urged to get involved with community engagement events tonight and tomorrow night (31 July and 1 August).
It's as the Swindon Community Safety Partnership are looking to tackle the issue of anti-social behaviour, which is a key part of the new Swindon Plan.
Council leader Jim Robbins says the authority are 'committed' to cracking down on the problem, said to be 'crucial' to the wellbeing of the wider community.
The engagement events will be focussing on the area around the Bowleymead square, with the Swindon Community Safety Team saying they're 'keen' to hear from Eldene residents about how they feel the area can be improved.
The team are working in partnership with the Swindon Borough Council, Wiltshire Police and the Parish Council to improve the safety of the square and the wider vicinity.
It's hoped, in the long term, that the area is regenerated, and made into a space that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
'Local residents have been feeling intimidated'
Emma Phillips, Anti-Social Behaviour Officer from Swindon Borough Council has said: “We hope to speak to as many residents as possible in the location around the Bowleymead Square in Eldene, as this area has fallen into a state of disrepair and is attracting groups who are causing anti-social behaviour.
"Therefore, local residents have been feeling intimidated and actively avoiding the area. By conducting this survey, we hope to better understand the needs of our residents in the area and how we can help in the future”.
Council Leader, Councillor Jim Robbins said: “As part of the Swindon Plan, we are committed to creating safer communities as part of our pledge to Build a Fairer Swindon by reducing disadvantages and disparities in life expectancy, education levels and social justice. This work to reduce anti-social behaviour across Swindon is crucial to wellbeing of our community.
“By speaking to local residents in Eldene, we can hear directly from those affected and get a clearer picture of the issues they face. We hope this face to face survey will also build trust and create an open dialogue between the Council and the local community”.
Local youth outreach and early intervention work will also be taking place in the area over the summer break.
If you would like to complete the survey online, you can do so here.