CHIPPENHAM Police have launched Operation Brightside this week to tackle everything from low level anti-social behaviour to cycling in the pedestrianised high street.

The aim of the new operation, which was launched on November 10 and will run until Christmas, is to make a trip to the town centre a pleasant experience and to prevent shoppers and visitors feeling under siege from people wanting money, drinking alcohol or cycling at speed.

John Brixey, community beat manager for Chippenham town centre, said: “Residents have told us they don’t like people cycling through the pedestrianised town centre and they feel intimidated by beggars and drunk people hanging around.

“We are aware of public concerns. This is a high visibility operation to reassure the public that we will deliver a safe environment for the people of this town, which remains an exceptionally safe place to live.”

Uniformed patrols will arrest beggars and hand out fixed penalty notices to cyclists.