WRECKERS who overturned a car and attempted to torch it in the middle of Hiltingbury Recreation Ground will not stop a major programme of improvements at the Chandler's Ford leisure area.

That is the pledge from Eastleigh Community Safety Partnership - which includes the local police and the borough council - after fears were voiced that the latest incident would place a question mark against a £1m makeover.

In the past the notorious rec has been a number one target for vandals, rowdy behaviour and also had the reputation of being used as a drinking and drug-taking den.

But an Eastleigh police spokesman said: "Despite the fact that the area has been subjected to youth nuisance and disturbances in recent years, this latest incident appears to be in isolation following higher profile policing and the implementation of preventative measures to rid the area of antisocial behaviour."

He said police had identified the area as a priority and responded to the youth nuisance with enhanced patrols which had reduced trouble caused by young people congregating in and around the pavilion.

No reports of incidents at the rec had been received for some time. During the first week of the Easter school holidays there were five reports of juvenile nuisance in the area, but none of those were actually at the rec.

A new skateboard ramp and youth shelter funded by the Community Safety Partnership were said to have helped in reducing antisocial behaviour while the council had cut the number of hedges and trees to open up the area.

Following the installation of closed circuit television cameras in February, there has been a marked reduction in vandalism and graffiti. Footage from the cameras is being studied to see whether the individuals involved in the recent car wrecking spree can be identified.