THE threat level from criminals in Walcot has finally started to reduce following a spike in anti-social behaviour, residents claim.

People who live in and around Sussex Place have reported a surge in crime in recent weeks, with some even saying the area was becoming “lawless”.

But politicians and community leaders, working closely with the police, have tried to address the issue, and earlier this week reported some success.

Roy Stephen BEM will be contesting the Walcot ward in the local elections in May. He has promised, if elected, to “make the safety and wellbeing of the residents of Walcot my first priority”.

South Swindon MP Robert Buckland has been working with Mr Stephen to try to reduce the level of crime.

Mr Stephen said: “Though the threat level appears to be reduced, Robert and I have acknowledged the gravity of the situation and agreed to review it regularly.

“I would like to reminded residents that each and every person in Walcot has a role to play and, when we do, the community becomes a far better and safer place to live and enjoy our lives in.”

The use of Wiltshire Police’s special surveillance vans to monitor the anti-social behaviour in and around Sussex Place has, according to Mr Stephen, been found to be “very effective”.