DESIGNING out crime' is the aim of current development work being carried out on an area of Richmond town centre known as Bog Island'.

The sunken space in the Quadrant, outside Tesco, used to be a favourite haunt for street drinkers, an issue highlighted by a Richmond and Twickenham Times campaign last summer, but an immediate removal of seats helped ease the problem.

Now Richmond upon Thames Council leader Cllr Tony Arbour is hopeful that further development of the space will decrease its attractiveness to drinkers.

"It is going to be a considerable improvement," he said. "We are doing it in part to make it a more attractive place and in part to design out crime. It is all part of Civic Pride."

The work on Bog Island involves creating a paved space at one level, removing the sunken seating area, using York stone, and improving the lighting. It is expected to take about two months.

This is the first part of a two stage development of the lower George street area.

The second stage will continue the paving and streetscape work creating what Cllr Arbour describes as a piazza' running through to Eton Street.

Prior to the redevelopment, consultation was carried out with surrounding businesses and the Richmond Society.

Peter Locke, chairman of the society's conservation, development and planning committee, added their backing to the scheme. "It is the nearest thing Richmond has to a town square," he said.

"We hope it will end up as a civic space for everyone to use and enjoy."

Karen Pengelly, Richmond's town centre manager said: "Once finished in early summer it will be a wonderful improvement for the area. It will look lovely having everything up to one level."