Traders are still waiting for CCTV

Ray Foulds, landlord of the Crumpled Horn in the centre, said: "I have no idea why it's taking so long but it appears that Eldene is not as important as other areas.

"The council are certainly dragging their heels."

The area was scheduled to receive £28,000 of funding for CCTV cameras in 2003 but the campaign was spearheaded by then ward councillor Pete Brown.

The scheme was picked up by Coun David Wren (Lab, Dorcan) and planning permission was given in November last year for four cameras.

But since then the traders have heard nothing.

George Lewis, assistant manager at Martin the Newsagents said: "They keep promising it but nothing's happening. The camera's are still not here.

"It would help a lot because at night you have a lot of kids hanging around outside and you hear of people having problems. If they have permission why not put them in?

"It's not too bad round here but it would certainly make the older people feel safer and it seems silly not to get on with it."

Co-op supermarket manager Sean Varney said: "We haven't got a clue what's going on with it. It got planning permission but we haven't heard anything since.

"Obviously I believe the sooner it goes in the better because I think as soon as it goes in the square will be more inviting.

"There square here does seem to have been left to rack and ruin and nothing is done for the community.

"The camera's would show people do care about the area."

Coun David Wren (Lab, Dorcan): "I can understand people's frustration because the issue of CCTV has been going on for a little while now but these things do take time.

"I know it's in the system to be done and hopefully it will be as soon as possible."

Spokesman for Swindon Council, Gavin Calthrop, said: "The CCTV at Eldene is in the work programme but we have not got a confirmed date yet. The contract is being sorted and it should be done in the foreseeable future."

Gareth Bethell