OBS have gone on a wrecking spree leaving a North Baddesley-based car dealership with a repair bill set run into several thousand pounds.

Windscreens on seven cars were smashed and the paintwork on two more was damaged. A large window at the Kings Seat showroom in Botley Road was also cracked.

Seat Southampton franchise manager Kevin Fisher said North Baddesley was plagued with vandalism.

He said that for the second year in succession yobs struck at the Seat dealership during North Baddesley's annual fair. Kevin said: "This appears to have been a contributing factor but not the sole cause.

"This is an on-going problem in North Baddesley, which needs to be addressed before further incidents occur."

Kevin claimed that, despite tough measures taken by the police to combat antisocial behaviour in the village, the yobs were winning.

"A community policeman was introduced to the village six months ago to assist in controlling the area but residents feel this isn't enough," he said.

Kevin said that North Baddesley provided no activities for the youngsters. However, many of the youths hanging around the recreation ground area at night weren't from the village itself and came to the area by bus during the evening to meet with friends.

Kevin pointed out that one resident had told him he'd seen a significant change' in people's behaviour since moving to the village 10 years ago.

"He said it used to be a really nice area where people wanted to live but it seems to be turning into the Bronx and something needs to be done sooner rather than later," said Kevin.

Kings Seat Southampton says it would like to work with village residents to improve the area and stamp out youth-related problems.

A police spokeswoman said the incident was being investigated and anyone with information should contact Romsey police on 08450 45 45 45.