76093-40A pioneering scheme is coming to Swindon to stamp out football hooliganism. The County Ground will become the first football stadium in the country where fans can text the police if they see trouble.

The man behind the idea, Swindon Police's football liaison officer PC Jim Neighbour, said: "We get members of the public coming up to us after the game and complaining about things which have taken place but it is often too late.

"This is for the here and now and we'll be able to investigate things.

"There are areas of the County Ground were people feel intimidated.

"People pay a decent amount of money to go and hopefully this will make it more pleasurable for them."

Stadium manager Ron Topp, who believes the scheme will help Swindon lead the way in tackling yobs, said: "It's a good way forward, it's the first in the country.

"Everywhere in the country has problems with people swearing and throwing missiles and what have you.

"The cameras are there but this will be even more effective."

Supporters also welcomed the idea.

Tony Norris, spokesman for the Swindon Town Supporters Trust, said: "It's a good idea. We have had one or two incidents recently and the more you can be seen to stamp out trouble the less likely it is to happen."

And spokesman for the Swindon Town Supporters Club, Nigel Bennett agreed, saying: "I welcome the scheme. Anything that helps the enjoyment of a game is good as long as issues are dealt with sensibly.

"Certainly getting rid of anything like racist chanting will make it more enjoyable."

Supporters can discretely send a text message regarding any anti-social actions to 07875 158 864.