Eldene to benefit from community clean-up and extra CCTV to combat ASB

Following reports of anti-social behaviour in the area, officers from Swindon's Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and other partners knocked on residents' doors in July to find out how the area could be improved in line with the Council’s commitment to delivering safer communities and its mission to Build a Fairer Swindon.

The Borough Council is working with Wiltshire Police, Nythe, Eldene & Liden Parish Council, and Swindon CSP to improve the safety of Bowleymead Square and the wider vicinity. The long-term goal is to regenerate the area and make it a space that can be enjoyed by the whole community.

After listening to local residents, two CCTV cameras have been secured from the Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Fund from the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, 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.

In addition, a community clean-up day is taking place next Saturday (5 Oct). Organised by Swindon CSP, residents are invited to come and join partner agencies for a community litter pick. There will also be an opportunity to speak with members of the Fire service, Swindon Police, Voluntary Action Swindon and members of the Borough Council about any concerns around safety, volunteering opportunities or advice.

Mentors from youth charity BEST – Be a Better You, and sports coaches will be offering free sessions to young people in the community centre and the young volunteers from the Wonky Pizza Crew will be handing out free pizza to all those who come along to support the litter picking effort.

Anyone who is able to give up a few hours of their time should pop along to the Eldene Community Centre, Swindon SN3 3RZ between 10.30am and 2pm.

Following the successful partnership work in Eldene, Swindon CSP is looking to carry out similar work across the Borough under the umbrella of a new group – PACT (Partners and Communities Together Group).

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.

“And information from the community continues to play a vital role in the success of this work and we would urge anyone who knows anything that could assist us to get in touch via our website or 101 or, anonymously, via the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Wilkinson said: “Anti-social behaviour is one of the main concerns residents raise with me when I talk to them about the problems affecting their lives.

“Whilst my latest annual report shows a 16.6% drop in anti-social behaviour across the county as a whole, we must use our funding to target areas where work still needs to be done.

“The provision of these CCTV cameras will allow Wiltshire Police and our partner agencies to gather vital evidence against those causing the greatest problems, and form part of a wider package of measures to make our communities feel safer.”