Following reports of anti-social behaviour in Eldene and discussions with residents, action is being taken in a bid to ensure the area is safe and welcoming.

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.

The borough council is working with Wiltshire Police, Nythe, Eldene and 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 community.

Two CCTV cameras have been secured from both the council’s housing team and Wiltshire Police, providing full coverage of central Eldene and all the footpaths leading off it.

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

Large planters and overgrown trees will also be cut back 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."

Councillor Howarth said the new CCTV cameras will "hopefully act as a deterrent to behaviours that we do not want to see in this neighbourhood".

A community clean-up day is taking place this Saturday, October 5, with people invited to visit Eldene Community Centre between 10.30am and 2pm to take part.

Residents will have the chance to join partner agencies and speak with members of the fire service, Swindon Police, Voluntary Action Swindon, and 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 attend the litter pick.

Councillor Howarth added: "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.”