CCTV cameras could soon be installed in Eldene shopping centre in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Plans have been submitted to Swindon Council and ward councillors are hopeful the technology will soon be in place.

The shopping centre has long been plagued by youths who gather there and elderly residents say they feel intimidated when using the shopping centre.

The area was scheduled to receive £28,000 of funding for CCTV cameras a year ago but the campaign was spearheaded by then ward councillor Pete Brown who was not re-elected last year.

Plans then fell by the wayside and the money was not used for CCTV.

But Coun David Wren (Lab, Dorcan) revisited the plans and reopened the project after a spate of attacks in the shopping centre earlier this year.

In the space of a few weeks in March, a number of incidents occurred including youths who attacked a postman as he collected mail from the post box in the shopping centre.

The Post Office later decided to seal the box because it feared for the safety of its staff.

Coun Wren said: "CCTV has been successful in other parts of town in reducing anti-social behaviour.

"Unfortunately, Eld-ene is suffering with a few mindless thugs who hopefully will be caught and dealt with by police."

Three cameras are planned to be installed two within the centre and one at the back of the Co-op supermarket.

After the problems six months ago, Christine Soakell, manager of the Eldene Commutniy Centre, said: "I would definitely welcome the installation of CCTV in the centre."

A Swindon police spokesman said: "CCTV has proven to increase personal safety and reduce crime and the fear of crime."

Emma-Kate :idbury