A COMMUNITY group set up to fight crime in Haydon Wick has held its first meeting.

Parish councillors, traders and local residents attended the inaugural meeting of the Neighbourhood Safety Team (NeST).

Several similar groups have been set up in other parts of the borough.

The aim is to make neigh-bourhoods safer and reduce the fear of crime.

Haydon Wick Parish Council called for the group to be set up to tackle anti-social behaviour problems in the area.

Parish council chairman Phil Eagle said: "The first meeting on Monday was used to identify the problems affecting the area.

"Members of Swindon Council's crime and disorder unit will now go away and discuss them with groups like the police and trading standards.

"We still have a problem with gangs of underage drinkers, minor vandalism and graffiti."

Earlier this year, the Evening Advertiser reported how a children's play area at the back of the Haydon Centre had become a hangout for underage drinkers.

Besides Haydon Wick, the group also covers Moredon, parts of Abbey Meads, Taw Hill and St Andrew's Ridge.