Your Swindon, Your Verdict is the first major survey into what Adver readers really think of the key issues affecting our town. Nearly 900 people of all ages answered questions on the town centre, crime, traffic, the council and a host of other subjects.

In the first of a series of special reports Tamash Lal looks at crime.

A SHOCKING 80 per cent of Swindonians feel unsafe in the town centre at night.

The finding is one of the most worrying to emerge from the Evening Advertiser's Your Swindon Your Verdict survey.

And has prompted police to admit that urgent action is needed to tackle booze-fuelled violence.

Although Swindon is now officially one of the safest towns in the country, our survey also reveals the fear of crime remains high.

We found that 65 per cent of Swindonians say they are more concerned about being a victim of crime now than five years ago.

The survey also found that:

l 63 per cent of people believe more bobbies on the beat would be the single most effective way to make Swindon safer.

l Nearly 90 per cent want CCTV to be extended across town.

l The majority of people see anti-social behaviour and drug dealing as the two most important targets for police action.

Drunken brawls, the murder of Mick Love and the railway station stabbing appear to have created a climate of fear.

Even some younger people, like 21-year-old Scott Woodward, say they don't like the centre after dark.

And these concerns were echoed last year by Swindon's top judge, John McNaught, who admitted feeling afraid while walking through the area at night.

Over the past 12 months, police have stepped up efforts to reduce disorder.

But Inspector Ian Bamber who is in charge of policing central Swindon is planning more action this year.

"It is high on the police agenda because it may get worse with the changes in licensing," he said.

"We are planning to work with licensees to improve the image of our nightlife."

One initiative will see plain clothed officers mixing with pub-goers to catch bar staff who serve intoxicated customers.

Meanwhile, demands for more CCTV could soon be met.

Plans for a massive 500-camera system are being considered by Swindon Council.

Coun Brian Ford (Con, Wroughton) the council's lead member for community safety recently spent an evening mixing with revellers to see the problems for himself.

He defended the area, saying: "I was appalled at the antics, but I never once felt threatened.

"Swindon is the largest town in the safest county in England.

"Part of the problem is that reporting of crimes by the media makes people think there is more of it than years ago, but this is not true."

Tamash Lal