RESIDENTS of Broadgreen are remaining upbeat despite the ongoing police operation just yards from their homes.

Detectives and forensic specialists have spent the past two weeks digging in the garages and gardens of two Broad Street properties, one of which belonged to double murderer Christopher Halliwell from 1997 to 2001.

The investigation was initially forecast to take five days, but last Friday the detective leading the search announced that his officers needed more time.

There had been a suggestion that the police activity would finally come to a close yesterday, but despite signs that their presence is beginning to wind down, specialist teams were expected to return to the scene today.

As part of the operation, a large crime scene tent has been erected and black tarpaulins have been placed across all three access points to the alley.

Crime scene guards have been manning the cordon day and night and the sound of drilling and concrete breaking tools has been echoing out at regular intervals.

But despite their usually quiet neighbourhood becoming the scene of a major criminal investigation — the residents of Broad Street are remaining positive.

“It’s not too bad,” said one. “It’s a bit noisy sometimes and at the start there were lots of cameras but it’s okay now.”

Another neighbour, whose house overlooks the alleyway where detectives have been working, said:

“The police have been good, it is not a problem for me.

“I don’t know when they will go, but I don’t mind.”

A local shopkeeper joked that he had been busier since contractors and the media had arrived in the area.

The officer leading the investigation, DCI Jeremy Carter, has thanked the community for their support.

“I would like to thank the occupants of the properties for their cooperation and understanding during this time,” he said.

“I would like to stress, they have no involvement with the investigation, but this work has understandably been disruptive to them, and the residents in the area.

“I thank them all for their continued patience, as well as the wider community.”

Wiltshire Police were unable to give any update on the investigation yesterday but one is expected this morning.