PENHILL residents have welcomed plans to instal CCTV cameras at a shopping parade targeted by vandals and anti-social youths.

Swindon Council has been given £36,000 to install cameras at the Hannington Close shopping parade.

The money will also be used to improve security and clean up the four shops, which have four flats above them.

Doors will be replaced, lighting improved and graffiti-covered walls will be repainted.

Gardens at the back of the block will also be tidied up and storage sheds will be repaired.

The cameras will be linked to the council's control room in Barnfield Road.

At present, one shop is a convenience store, two are used by the NSPCC for community work and one is empty.

Graffiti has been sprayed on buildings, and residents say that gangs of youths are a constant menace.

Shopkeeper Pete Patel, 44, who runs Bhav's convenience store, said CCTV was needed. He is currently having his shop repainted because of graffiti.

He said: "The older kids are always hanging around here.

"Some get drunk and are very abusive and intimidating. CCTV will be ideal."

Elaine Wyatt, 20, who lives above the shops with her 18-month-old baby Chloe, believes drug dealers use the area.

She said: "Dealers sell drugs on the streets here, and there are always youths hanging about.

"It makes me feel unsafe, especially because I have a baby.

"I'm really pleased they are putting cameras in and doing the place up, it will make it a nicer place to live."

Hayley Spruce, 23, who lives nearby with her five-year-old son Clayton, said: "If you say anything to the kids you get a mouthful of abuse.

"Cars are often abandoned here, and they just get trashed."

Coun David Glaholm (Lab, Penhill) said: "Cameras have proved to be an excellent tool in stopping anti-social behaviour in other areas.

"Other schemes have brought peace and tranquillity to areas where people's lives have been blighted by anti-social behaviour."

Coun Andy Harrison (Lab, Penhill) added: "It is all about making communities safer.

"People feel threatened by large groups of youngsters."

The council had to bid for the money from the Government.

Paul Cook, crime prevention officer for Swindon police, said: "CCTV has proved to increase personal safety and reduce crime and the fear of crime.

"It can be a highly effective tool when used in conjunction with other security measures."

"The cameras themselves act as a good visible deterrent."