NEW guidelines to support victims when they are giving evidence in court have been welcomed by support groups and court officials in Wiltshire.

Lord Falconer, the Lord Chancellor, announced new plans to help vulnerable and intimidated witnesses take the stand.

The measures will keep witnesses separate from defendants in all crown courts and 90 per cent of magistrates' courts.

He also wants to see more video links being used in all courts.

Launching the Department for Constitutional Affairs' plan, Lord Falconer told Radio 4's Today programme: "One of the top priorities will be a better deal for victims."

Rex Webb, who works for the witness service in Wiltshire, said: "We provide emotional and practical support for any witnesses, victims or their family members.

"We have been working on all improvements for over nine years regarding special measures to help witnesses.

"It's good that the Government is recognising that witnesses do need protection and it is important that individuals get the best help to suit them.

"I am very glad that we seem to be flavour of the month at the moment."

Nigel Stenning, director of court support services for Wiltshire, is responsible for overseeing all the magistrates' courts in the county.

He said: "It is absolutely vital that witnesses and victims feel safe and secure when they are giving evidence," he said.

"Clearly they are the people that are crucial to the criminal justice system and we welcome any change that makes giving their evidence easier.

"Swindon and Chippenham magistrates' courts currently have video links but are hoping to get two more by April."

Mr Stenning said that where possible the courts try and keep defendants separate from victims and witnesses.

"We have rooms in the court that we use but hopefully if we can move to new premises the facilities will be much better," he said.

"The Salisbury Combined Courts of Justice, currently in the pipeline, will have new up-to-date facilities.

"Giving evidence is always difficult and we are doing the best we can to make it easier."