Villagers fight vandalism

Their protests have led to the forming of an action group in a desperate effort to combat months of mindless attacks by teenagers on their homes and cars.

They have had to put up with youngsters damaging their front doors, throwing stones at their homes, stealing mirrors from cars and speeding up and down the roads in cars.

Michael Warrington, a Rustington parish councillor, said: "Vandalism has been a regular occurance in the area and local people are up in arms. The situation is improving a little, but we need to do more to nip this in the bud before it gets worse."

People living in Woodlands Avenue and Worthing Road have also seen walls and building equipment destroyed at the new youth and community centre, which is being built on Woodlands Recreation Ground.

The action group, made up of members of Rustington Parish Council, Arun District Council, The Community Strategy Unit and individual residents, has met for the first time.

Rustington Parish Council chairman, Moira Rice, told those at the meeting that while some vandalism had reduced, the new youth and community centre was still suffering. There was also concern from one resident that the play area on the recreation ground was still a "no go" area for young children.

They also discussed ways of combating the problem. A "ring round" system has been put in place, so when vandalism takes place one resident will use a camera to take pictures to help police with identification.

Residents will also be given regular newsletters.

A representative of the community wardens' group also hoped a pilot scheme would be introduced by Arun District Council, whereby school intervention officers would work in schools to try to stop anti-social behaviour.