crime and bad behaviour will come under the spotlight at a special summit for older people in Eastleigh.

Residents will be given the chance to have their say on how they feel they are served by the police and the problems elderly people face in the community.

Anti-social behaviour is likely to be one of the leading issues raised at the meeting, following growing numbers of complaints about the problem.

The Daily Echo reported earlier this year how teenage thugs almost caused the Eastleigh Age Concern branch to close.

Vandals kicked down fence panels, tore down a 100-year-old wall and then used the bricks to smash two double-glazed windows.

Chairman Dennis Wilson said the problems have since stopped because the building used by the yobs as a den had been bought up by property developers.

He said: "We had damage for months. It was the same gang of youths who were using that area to drink and presumably take some sort of drugs.

"The police made a very big effort but the fact the developers got planning permission on the property next door is what made the thing completely go away.

"I'd like to see the police given more power. We get as much help as can be expected from them but I think they've got their hands tied."

Community safety officer Russell Tribe said the point of the meeting was to find out the concerns of residents aged 55 or more.

He said: "There's a possibility anti-social behaviour could come up but we won't know what the concerns are until the meeting."

Members of the partnership would also assure people that Eastleigh remains one of the safest places to live in the country, he added.

He said: "We want to dispel the fear of crime which is undoubtedly higher in older people than the rest of the population, and much higher than it should be for Eastleigh.

"People's fear of crime is fuelled by what they read in the media, based on terrible things happening around the country and not here on their doorstep."

The Crime and Disorder Conference will take place from 9am to 4.30pm at the Holiday Inn, Leigh Road on November 25. Call Annette Macnamara on 023 8068 8251.