THE scourge of street drinkers in the town centre has persisted, as police prepare a dossier on the worst offenders as part of a major operation.

Last month, the Adver revealed the Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) had launched Operation Arcadia to combat the problem of groups of people gathering and drinking in and around the bus station.

But in the last month, there have been 24 complaints from members of the public and police have carried out 53 patrols, arresting four people and seizing alcohol on around 30 occasions.

Now, Acting Sergeant Barry Reed is preparing to hand over a huge file to Swindon Council on the core offenders later this week so that long-term solutions, including Asbos or injunctions, can be pursued.

He said: “Members of the public and retailers have the right to go about their business without fear of intimidation and harassment.

“We have had more complaints since the Adver ran the story a few weeks ago and we have stepped up our patrols around the bottom of town, including the bus station, John Street and Newbridge Square.

“At the moment there are four box files of paperwork we are preparing to hand over to the council later this week – and it keeps growing and growing.

“This includes impact statements from members of the community. For example we’ve had incidents of the members of the group aggressively begging, urinating in the street, swearing and persistently drinking within the area that is covered by a Designated Public Place Order.

“It is a massive draw on our resources and the behaviour of this group is completely unacceptable.

“I personally know how these people impact on members of the public and retailers.

“Swindon NPT is fully committed to preventing them from impacting upon anyone else.”

The operation involved officers working closely with Thamesdown Transport, Stagecoach and the council.

Anyone with complaints can contact 101, or email swindontowncentrenpt@wiltshire.pnn.police.uk citing Operation Arcadia.