30959-23A PENHILL woman leading a community's battle against vandals says she won't be intimidated following an attack on her home.

Sue Harrington, 53, chairman of the Avebury Road Residents' Association, became a victim of the vandals herself after youths threw bright yellow paint into her back garden, covering walls, flowers, plant pots and one of her windows.

Ms Harrington said: "They struck in the early morning, I never heard them coming. I know this is a reprisal against the work I and the residents' association have been doing.

"I just do not understand the mentality of these people, it is so wasteful and childish.

"This was not young children playing around, it was a malicious act by youths and young adults, 15 to 21 year olds. I won't be intimidated by these people or by anyone.

"I am determined to continue the work we have started and make this a safe area."

Ms Harrington set up the residents' association in January of this year with the aim of beating crime and other forms of anti-social behaviour in the area.

Youths aged between seven and 18 have been threatening residents with violence, vandalising cars, hurling bottles at vehicles, starting fires near homes and throwing used condoms into gardens.

In April, a special street party was held to try and break down the social barriers between members of the community in Avebury Street with the aim of forming lasting friendships with neighbours.

One of the aims of the association is the establishment of a play area near Penhill Copse, which aims to get children playing together.

The organisation also played a key role in getting a family evicted from the area after claiming they had made their lives a misery.

Last year, a number of residents in the street resorted to installing CCTV cameras on the outside of their homes to try and discourage attacks on their houses.

However, the cameras attached to Ms Harrington's home did not manage to capture, on film, the Thursday morning vandals.

She said: "They were rather crafty and remained out of the camera and the sensor for the security lights view."

The culprits did leave the paint tins behind and according to Sue they are similar to ones provided by the council to tenants to decorate their homes. She hopes that numbers on the tins can be traced.

Alvina Kumar, Swindon Police spokeswoman, confirmed that the attack was being investigated.

Anyone who witnessed the attack is urged to called Swindon Police on 01793 528111 quoting log number 73-17/06/04.

Anthony Osborne