NEW CCTV cameras could be installed in notorious “Muggers’ Alley”.

Central Swindon North Parish Council said the CCTV would help make the Western Flyer underpass between the town centre and Ferndale feel safer for those using it – as well as catch those tagging the tunnel and signs with graffiti.

It comes a month after a group of masked youths were said to have chased a cyclist from the underpass to Ferndale Road, where he was stabbed in the buttocks and the leg.

Six teenagers aged between 16 and 18 have been arrested in connection with the stabbing on October 17 and released under investigation. A seventh, an 18-year-old man, was arrested on suspicion of wounding with intent but has since been released under investigation.

Following the stabbing, Det Sgt Adrian Bray of Swindon CID said: “Prevention is better than cure. The local authority may need to look at putting more CCTV cameras down here, covering the whole of the Western Flyer.”

Dale Heenan, cabinet member for the town centre, said: “The best method of prevention is not watching CCTV, but for everyone to visibly see police patrolling to prevent knife crime.”

Now, Central Swindon North Parish Council could be the ones coming to the rescue.

Parish clerk Andy Reeves said: “Parish councillors are committed to ensuring the busy pedestrian and cycle route along the Western Flyer, used by hundreds of people every week, is as safe and accessible as possible.

“Whilst our budget and remit is limited, we have been working on identifying potential funds from our developer contributions, novated over to us from Swindon Borough Council in 2017.

“Pending approval, councillors are looking to install two sets of CCTV either side of the underpass to tie in with the existing infrastructure.

“The parish council would then work with the police and Swindon Borough Council for images to be linked to the borough council monitoring station.

“This suggestion came to the table after councillors were encouraged by the positive impact on anti-social behaviour that our installation of CCTV has had outside the Chapel Street toilets.

“Councillors are also aware of the sense of menace the graffiti causes in the Great Western Way underpass, so more is being done to keep on top of the persistent damage to the subway walls and Western flyer sign.

“Hopefully with CCTV if people are caught causing damage to the subway we can take appropriate action with our partners.”