A SWINDON police officer is looking to introduce a voluntary curfew system for rowdy youths in the town after the success of the project in another part of the south west.

PC Rachel Barnett, the community beat manager for Eldene and Liden, was impressed by the positive results of the measure with an emphasis on responsible parenting in Redruth, Cornwall.

It came after residents and police became fed up of constant anti-social behaviour.

After a six-month dispersal order expired in the area police set up Operation Goodnight during the school summer holidays last year.

Any children under the age of 16 were advised by officers they shouldn’t be out on the streets unsupervised after 9pm. If they were under 10 they were told they should be home by 8pm at the latest.

If police found youngsters had breached the order then the child’s parents could be phoned and asked to take them home.

Redruth Neighbourhood Police said ASBOs or parenting orders could be applied for if there wasn’t co-operation.

They said there had been a significant reduction in anti-social behaviour and juvenile victims of crime in Redruth since the scheme began.

PC Barnett thinks the order could be the answer to reduce large groups congregating around Liden shops who create loud noise, swear and drink alcohol late at night.

She said: “I’ve done a lot of research into this and it could be something that will help Liden.

“Kids are continuing to congregate around the Liden shops and misbehave.

“The voluntary order proved to be a real success in Redruth.

“It would be something to encourage kids to go home and help keep them on the straight and narrow and be under the care of their parents.”

PC Barnett said she will be looking to draw up a strategy and set up talks with Cheri Wright, the anti-social behaviour co-ordinator at Swindon Council.

During the scheme Cornwall’s children’s services department also ran drop-in services twice a week to give advice and support to parents.

Any information about anti-social behaviour in Liden and Eldene can be passed on to PC Barnett by calling 0845 408 7000.

Alternatively, ring Crimestoppers, where information can be left anonymously, on 0800 555 111.