AN EASTLEIGH school hit by waves of vandalism is laun-ching a community action group to prevent antisocial behaviour from spiralling out of control.

Crestwood Community School, on the Boyatt Wood Estate, was the Easter Holiday target for vandals who went on the rampage.

Yobs, armed with bricks, stones, concrete blocks and scaffolding poles, smashed 53 windows and two security cameras.

The damage, estimated at £4,000, left shattered glass littering classrooms, and the school was involved in a massive clear-up operation.

In a fresh drive to combat antisocial behaviour Crestwood School chiefs want to launch a local community action group.

They also have plans to recruit a community project manager to drive the initiative forward. Crestwood is urging parents to have their say in the planning of activities and initiatives for students which will in turn improve the quality of life for the local community.

Head teacher Phil Munday says: "The vandalism to our and other local schools during the Easter Holidays highlights the increasing need for action to prevent the problem of anti-social behaviour from spiralling out of control.

"We know that the young people involved include ex-students and students from other schools in the area and that alcohol is a contributing factor."

Mr Munday added: "As a community school we recognise the importance of our role in striving for high standards of behaviour which are reflected by the students outside of school hours.

"It is vital however that parents remember their children are their responsibility and we are asking

them to work in partnership with

us to establish areas where we can help."

As a first step towards setting up the action group, parents are being invited to take part in a consultation meeting on Wednesday June 30 at 6pm.

The aim will be to find out what the local community and how parents think that the school can move forward. Part of the evening will involve asking parents to contribute to a series of evaluation questions about the school.

Any parents who are interested in taking part should contact the school on 023 8064 1232 for more information.

Police stepped up patrols on the Boyatt Wood Estate following incidents of gangs of teenagers roaming the streets and causing disturbances.