CCTV BLAMED FOR DRUG USERS' MOVE

Residents of a Wiltshire suburb are blaming newly installed CCTV cameras
near their homes for an increase in crime and anti-social behaviour.

They say junkies have moved into Lennox Drive in Walcot, Swindon, to avoid
cameras in nearby Sussex Square.

As a result, they say, drug addicts are breaking into garages and taking
intravenous drugs on their doorsteps.

One resident, who spoke to Swindon MP Julia Drown about the problem, says
the only solution is to demolish the garages.

"They get high, they climb on the roofs and throw missiles into the
gardens," said Karen Pailor.

"If you try to speak to them, they hurl abuse, it has become a real problem."

Mrs Pailor said the problem had worsened since the council had placed CCTV
cameras at the front of the houses.

"That moved the problem to our back garden area," she said.

"Julia Drown...said she would get in touch with the council to see what
could be done about it.

'Security fence'

"As a resident and speaking to the others, the only solution is to demolish
the garages."

Larry Chapman, contracts manager at Swindon Council said: "We realise there
are problems but whether or not these are related to the nearby CCTV is
questionable.

"There were a group of garages in the area which were pulled down to build
new housing, which leads me to believe this has led to the addicts moving.

"We are putting up a security fence between the garages and the homes
within the next two weeks."