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Bill Service, Tony Harbour and Roger Hawlor at the Ladygrove Co-op

Three councillors are spearheading a campaign to install security cameras at an antisocial behaviour hotspot at the Ladygrove shopping parade in Didcot.

Shopkeepers and traders in Lostock Place have backed the idea to install CCTV cameras, but money could be a problem. They met councillors Bill Service, Tony Harbour and Roger Hawlor to negotiate possible funding options.

Mr Stirling said: "It was a very positive meeting and I am hopeful we can get moving so that we can make this a safer area. Information will now be passed up the chain for a decision on funding.

"The problem seems to be getting worse with groups of youths hanging around, and there has also been vandalism at the football club. I know some people feel intimidated. We are determined not to let this issue go away. We want to create a safe area for residents and visitors."

Residents said they were fed up with youths congregating outside the shops. One 23-year-old resident, who did not want to be named, said: "I think people are inclined to stay away from the area in the evenings simply to avoid any trouble."

One father of two, said: "We see gangs of teenagers coming through the tunnel at Cow Lane. My wife does not want to go out to go to the shops and would rather drive to Tesco's because she feels safer and there are a lot of security staff."

The meeting comes just two weeks after a 17-year-old was hit in the face with a bottle outside the Co-op. When a man went to help, he was also attacked and hit on the head.

The Co-op run Ladygrove Centre store opens until late. Spokesman Adrian Barradell said: "We are reviewing the opening hours of the store in the light of recent problems and are happy to work closely with the police and other businesses in the area to try to bring about an improvement in behaviour in the area. No decision has been taken on the issue of CCTV."

South Oxfordshire District Council's crime eduction partnerships manager Helen Crofts, said security cameras were not something the council would be considering in the near future.

Crime reduction officer, Mike Bradfield, said: "We have been targeting the area for some months and there has been several arrests made. We will continue to target it and work with the shopkeepers and the local community."

5:43pm Wednesday 5th December 2007

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