SHOPKEEPERS in Swindon will benefit from a £36,000 government grant towards tackling crime and vandalism.

The Home Office today announced those who will benefit from a three-year £15m crime-busting scheme, which was launched last June.

In Swindon, an £18,000 donation from the scheme for 2001-2002 went on Bradon Court shopping centre in Penhill.

The £36,000 payment for 2002-2003 will be spent on continuing improvements in Cavendish Square, Park South.

Mark Walker, area estate manager for North Swindon, said: "The money will be used in partnership with the community, the police and Swindon Borough Council. We have all got to work together to ensure we make the initiatives work."

Bradon Court is being upgraded after suffering from vandalism which has discouraged people from visiting.

CCTV security cameras are being installed, as is better lighting and there will be a more open environment.

In Cavendish Square, some £250,000 worth of improvements already made will be continued through the latest grant, which will help fund a CCTV security system, graffiti removal and redecorating.

Mr Walker said: "We have very good community links. The neighbourhood safety teams tell us what they would like and we hope to meet the challenges set."

The Government contributes to crime-beating initiatives such as:

installing CCTV and alarms

improving security lighting

enhancing security for individual shops such as better locks and toughened glass

giving facelifts to rundown shopping areas.

Home Office minister John Denham, who has overall responsibility for crime reduction, said: "Already 3,000 shops have benefited from increased security, on average £1,000 security improvements for each business. But this is only the start of our drive to help local shops flourish in some of our most deprived areas."