A RECRUITMENT drive for PCSOs has been welcomed by leisure centre staff following a number of shocking incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Earlier this month, police were called to Grange Leisure in Stratton after reports that a group of around 30 youths were intimidating people, with one lout even brandishing a hammer.

It was a particularly frightening episode for leisure centre staff and customers, who locked themselves inside the centre while waiting for police to arrive.

And last week, teenage yobs prank called the emergency services claiming Grange Leisure’s car park was on fire.

Chris Matthews, senior food and beverage officer at the centre, said: “We are still experiencing some problems with anti-social behaviour, but nothing quite as bad as before.

“All we can really do is keep moving them on and reporting any incidents to 101 as they occur.”

Staff at Grange Leisure have warned louts that a zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and the intimidation of staff and centre users will not be taken lightly.

One solution Chris supports is an increase in PSCOs patrolling the area.

It comes just days after Wiltshire Police announced a recruitment drive for community support officers.

Explaining the need for more officers, a police spokesman said: “PCSOs provide a visible patrolling presence, acting as an effective crime deterrent, especially with regard to minor crimes.

“They connect schools, community organisations and local authorities, working on issues such as anti-social behaviour and safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.”

Chris thought a greater PCSO presence would go some way towards tackling the anti-social behaviour issues in Stratton.

He said: “I think we would definitely see a difference with more PCSOs on the beat. The community officers have very large areas to cover, patrolling all over North Swindon.

“A greater presence would definitely be a good thing and I think it would reassure residents and staff here at Grange Leisure.”

It is thought that the Grange Drive facility is a likely meeting point for the gang before they go off to other locations.

Police have advised people to call 999 immediately if they ever see a worrying situation develop.