Ref. 75627-31GANGS of youths are making life hell for residents and traders in Rodbourne Cheney.

The Evening Advertiser set up watch on Saturday night and witnessed the sort of antisocial behaviour that has forced police to step up patrols.

Just 24 hours earlier five youths were arrested outside shops in Manor Road for public order offences. It did nothing to deter others from returning in large groups.

Our photographer captured teenagers downing booze and squaring up to each other.

Mahir Buyukasik, of Diamond Pizza, said gangs regularly intimidate customers, drink booze inside the shop and smoke cannabis.

And he told the Adver that many traders are losing profits as older customers stay away.

"Some of our customers are too afraid to come here," he said.

"We try to be friendly to the gangs, even giving them free chips on occasions.

"But we can't allow people to drink, smoke and gamble in here. When we try and stop them they give us abuse. We are in fear."

Ernie Bullock, a doorman at Rodbourne Cheney Working Men's Club said: "No sooner have the police gone they're back again and this happens several times a night."

Acting Inspector Robin Colbourne, of Swindon Police, said he is aware of the on-going problem and promised swift, decisive action on offenders.

The area is covered by a Dispersal Order, which enables officers to move gangs on they suspect are up to no good.

He said: "The arrests show that we are prepared to deal with them forcibly when it's necessary. We know there is a problem in this area that's why the Dispersal Order was set up. Officers patrol on an ad-hoc basis.

"Unfortunately, this is an area that has a lot of back alleys for the youths to evade us but we are making progress."