CRIME busters fighting to rid a Penhill estate of vandalism and thuggish behaviour are appealing for more help.

The Avebury Road Residents' Association played a key role in getting a family evicted after claiming they had made their lives a misery. But the eviction is just the first step towards rebuilding community spirit, which has been ruined by a plague of anti-social behaviour.

A meeting has been arranged to rally residents into action.

The plan is to get the association registered, which will give residents access to grants for small projects.

But first they need to form a committee which will steer the neighbourhood to a brighter future.

Residents say the area was once a peaceful place to live, but has been ruined by unruly youths.

One plan is to create a play area at the rear of the estate near Penhill Copse.

Sue Harrington, who helped set up the group, said: "We need to get the children off the streets so they stop causing problems."

The meeting takes place at the Royal British Legion in Downton Road, Penhill, at 8pm on June 15.

Two weeks ago, Swindon Council successfully applied for an eviction order against mother-of-two Lesley Ainsley.

Swindon County Court heard how her two children Dennis, 16, and Laura, 15 terrorised neighbours. The family was given six weeks to leave.

Mrs Ainsley, 36, protested that her children suffered from Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).