Five new CCTV cameras will police Old Town nightspots

The five cameras, which together cost £30,000, have been installed on Wood Street, Devizes Road and Newport Street.

Manni Madhani, owner of the Old Bank nightclub, welcomed the news: “It’s fantastic. It will alleviate a lot of problems. At our Pub Watch meetings we have been pushing for years and year, saying when are these cameras coming up.”

The Old Town Business Association has been trying to get the new cameras installed at Old Town trouble spots for a number of years. Richard Deacon, chairman of the association, said: “This project is a great example of businesses, the council and the police working together to help make Swindon a safer place.”

Swindon Borough Council said the cameras had proved their worth just days after they were installed, helping police respond to two incidents including a domestic violence case on Bath Road.

Coun Cathy Martyn, lead member for public safety, said: “These new safety measures are intended to ensure that Old Town remains a safe destination at all times.

“As a council, we have listened to the concerns of local residents and businesses and we are fully on their side in the fight against anti-social and criminal behaviour.

“We need to ensure that those visiting the area are safe and it is important to send a clear message that those who commit offences will be identified and dealt with accordingly.”

PC Paul Bezzant, Wiltshire Police’s town centre coordinator, welcomed the arrival of the new cameras: “Not only do they provide a useful tool for my colleagues and I to identify witnesses and suspects, they also show exactly what has happened, which can be very helpful in determining the full circumstances of an incident.

“We continue to work closely with partners with the joint aim of preventing crimes from taking place and making our community safer.”

The cameras’ £30,000 cost was covered by Section 106 funding, given to the council by developers as part of the planning process.