IMPROVEMENTS to the environment of disadvantaged areas have often resulted in better behaviour by those who frequent them.

So the £256,535 National Lottery windfall that will be shared between the Parks, Walcot and Central areas of Swindon could prove to be an excellent investment.

It should certainly be welcomed by residents who have been trying to reclaim Faringdon Road Park from thugs and vandals.

Coun John Taylor (Central, Lab) hit the nail on the head when he pointed out that such basic items as good street lighting can do more than CCTV to deter anti-social behaviour.

It is a pity this lesson about straightforward measures was not learned long ago by Swindon Council. But hopefully the cash that has now been awarded by the lottery's Fair Share scheme will prompt a new sense of pride in the three areas concerned.

The people who live there deserve to be able to hold their heads high when they mention where they come from.