A NEW hotline number will boost the fight against anti-social behaviour in Swindon.

The Adver revealed yesterday that the town was chosen as one of 25 places across the country to get a hotline for residents to ring with complaints about anti-social behaviour.

And the added publicity the initiative will bring will help tackle the problems faced by residents in the town, Swindon Council said.

Cheri Wright, anti-social behaviour co-ordinator, confirmed the new number would take over from the existing hotline operated by the council.

Residents will dial the national number, give their address and be put through to the crime and disorder team in Swindon, who currently deal with calls to the hotline.

Miss Wright said the Govern-ment initiative was still good news as it would give the hotline a boost.

"They are actually supporting us with quite a comprehensive media campaign," she said.

"That will help us get the message out there.

"It is also going to be raised in the national media and that is going to assist us. It will get the message out to a wider audience so we should get more calls."

Miss Wright is meeting Home Office officials tomorrow to discuss the new hotline as well as what work will be done under the Together Action initiative.

Swindon was one of only 50 places across the country selected for extra funding for tackling anti-social behaviour because of the good work already done in the area. Coun Brian Ford, lead member for community safety, said the existing hotline had helped the council to tackle the problem of anti-social behaviour

"It makes a significant difference to the provision of law and order in Swindon," he said.

"We want as many people as possible to use the line because everything helps."

Posters are to be displayed around the town and leaflets posted through doors advertising the action line number, 0845 605 2222, which will open on February 28.

A new feature to the service will be that after a complaint has been dealt with feedback cards will be posted to homes in the neighbourhood explaining what action has been taken.

The existing council hotline is currently available on 01793 466738.

Isabel Field