CHIPPENHAM NEWS: A COMMUNITY is joining ranks in a bid to tackle the rising tide of crime and harassment on their streets.

Households and residents in Redland, Chippenham, have been plagued by youth crime, vandalism and disorder for more than a year.

But now the community is hoping to restore order back to the estate by forming a Redland Action Group.

The residents' group will be working with police and the neighbourhood watch to help build community spirit, hold fundraising events and tackle the rising crime.

Redland town councillor Nina Phillips supports the action group, she said: "We want to bring people together because the residents in Redland must have ownership of this action group so they can sort out what is going on.

"If everyone in the area who is affected by these problems joined we would have lots on the action group but because of logistics we can't have everybody.

"A Redland Action Group needs to be formed and it will be up to the members to discuss what and how it wants to proceed. But the main thing I expect it will look at is the trouble at the shopping parade in Redland.

"I think the problems there are getting worse and I don't know why. The residents are suffering and people behind the nuisance and minor crimes are being more brash and difficult now."

Earlier this summer two new police community support officers were recruited for Redland to help cut down on crime.

But the school holidays have seen an increase in youth crime, vandalism and harassment of shoppers and residents.

Formation of the action group is expected within the next month and has the full backing of Chippenham police.

Sgt Matt Armstrong said: "As I understand at Redlands it's the low level nuisance youngsters congregating in large groups can generate.

"This includes criminal damage and harassment of residents and if you suffer that for a long time it grates and effects peoples' way of life.

"They have set up a residents' group and that will involve interested parties such as Neighbourhood Watch and ourselves and we hope we can get funding. It may be a slow process but it will be happening."

Volunteers can join the new Redland Action Group by contacting Cllr Nina Phillips on (01249) 661068.