ANGRY residents claim their local green spot is being turned into a war zone by louts.

Paul Turner, of Tenzing Gardens, Penhill, contacted the Evening Advertiser after his Easter Bank Holiday weekend was marred by anti-social behaviour.

He claims vandals are fast turning Penhill Recreation Ground, which backs onto his house, into a wasteland and is leading calls for action.

On Sunday Mr Turner was forced to intervene after spotting a teenage girl and two young boys attempting to set a neighbour's shed on fire.

He said: "When I questioned the girl about it she looked like a zombie.

"I checked the area again later that evening and she was still lighting fires."

Mr Turner, a facilities manager, remembers visiting the park as a youngster with his brothers and sisters when it boasted shining play equipment and a paddling pool.

"It now looks like Beirut at the height of the troubles it's that bad," he said.

"This is the only significant piece of green space between Pinehurst and Penhill and it has been allowed to go to wrack and ruin.

"The pool has been filled in because people smashed glass bottles, several of the tall conifers which surround the park have been burnt and the tennis courts have been destroyed."

Mr Turner believes a joint effort is needed between the police and council to get the area back on its feet.

He said: "The council needs to sort this whole area out fast.

"The police also need to get involved.

"With all these problems it's incredible that we never see a policeman here.

"If we are going to make this a decent place to live again we need help in the form of investment from the council and commitment from the police."

Father-of-two Brian Fitzpatrick, 48, of nearby Hillary Close, agreed.

"One of the main reasons why we moved here was the park behind our house," he said.

"It used to be nice going for a walk down there in the evening.

"Now the vandals are ruining everything. We once had a caf there but it was burnt down long ago.

"Children also play football on the bowling green."

Councillor Andy Harrison (Lab, Penhill) said Swindon Council was in the process of securing funding to clean up the area and asked residents to keep a log of complaints.

He said: "Vandalism is totally unacceptable. But we recognise that it is a two-edged sword and it is vital that we provide facilities to engage the youths.

"We are currently looking to get The Twist Project off the ground. This could see the construction of a new playground and, possibly, a water feature."

It is hoped builders could move in at the end of the year.

Swindon police say they are committed to stamping out antisocial behaviour in known trouble spots.

But they say the public need to back them and shop offenders.

Anyone who witnesses problems in the area is urged to call 01793 528111.