SHOPPERS can feel safer in Redhouse after a CCTV camera was installed to help curb anti-social behaviour.

Anti-social behaviour had become a problem for residents, police and councillors in one of Swindon’s newest developments but Tesco has done its bit to help.

The supermarket has installed another CCTV camera covering the outside of the store and Redhouse village centre which it hopes will act as a deterrent for any trouble makers.

Despite North Swindon police saying they had the issue under control, several concerns have been raised by residents in the area about worries over their safety.

PCSO Ashlee John said: “We had a lot of anti-social behaviour in the area and we were getting concerns from residents.

“From a police point of view, we know who the youths are, and they are not actually causing any trouble but were just hanging around the shops, which for some residents was threatening.

“Tesco’s manager got involved and said to his head office that he believed they were losing customers as a result and they have put in the CCTV camera on the outside of the store.

“We are thankful to Tesco for helping in this way and this should show to the community they are safe to shop in the area.

“Knowing there is a camera outside the store will give residents peace of mind and hopefully act as a deterrent for anybody thinking of causing trouble.

North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson said he was pleased the police were acting on residents concerns.

“It is great that the police and some of the local residents are working so proactively to tackle the small minority,” he said.

“It seems that, in this case, CCTV could play an important role in stamping out this menace.

“It seems to be just a tiny minority of people taking advantage of the site and I am sure the swift action of the police and the supermarket will soon have the problems dealt with.”