NEARLY 30 people from the Stockbridge Road and Oram's Arbour areas of Winchester have put their concerns about criminal damage and antisocial behaviour to the city's MP Mark Oaten and representatives from the police, city and county councils.

Residents said they were fed up with damage being done to their cars by drunken teenagers, noise in the early hours of the morning at weekends and the amount of litter dropped into their front gardens.

Bruce Hartley-Raven, who lives in Stockbridge Road, told the meeting at St Paul's Rooms: "I think it is time something was done about it. There has been a marked upturn in the problems since March. The straw that broke the camel's back was an incident about six weeks ago when some 14 and 15-year-olds were breaking wing mirrors off cars in Stockbridge Road, and when challenged, they were clearly drunk."

Mr Oaten promised he would put pressure on the authorities to help solve the residents' problems.

"The list is horrendous. Having represented the area for a number of years, I feel the situation is getting worse. We are extremely lucky and live in a wonderful area. Having said that I think problems are getting worse.

"I think there is a change of culture. Using the resources of the police and the authorities, is only part of the solution. I feel I need to call a meeting with of head teachers, as I can't talk to every parent, the responsibility falls on us all.

"The other thing I have been pushing for is bringing back national service for school-leavers which would bring back discipline."

Inspector Kevin Baxman said a city centre alcohol exclusion zone, due to be in force by July, would cover Oram's Arbour.