Valley Park vandals have struck again carving up a churchyard memorial bench and smashing a notice board.

Using penknives the youths caused £200 damage to the bench that's been in the grounds of St Francis Church, Valley Park, Chandler's Ford, since it was built in 1991 to commemorate George Buffoni whose family have been local worshippers for decades.

The yobs also smashed a glass notice board in the church grounds.

It is one of the most significant acts of vandalism since new community wardens were introduced in the summer to target trouble hot spots.

Since taking up their beat the wardens have dramatically reduced spiralling vandalism and petty crime and won the support of appreciative locals.

Vicar Peter Hutchinson said: "It's a disappointment for the family who have looked after the bench for 11-years very well. I don't mind the youngsters sitting around the church. I always say you are welcome but as long as you look after the place. I might have to take a harder line now.

"This is the first vandalism for some time. The community wardens have made a huge difference with only limited staff. Damage and vandalism has really dropped."

Local borough and parish councillor Alan Dowden said the attack was disgraceful but the authorities were winning the war against vandalism.

He said: "I want to see parents take more responsibility for their children.

"Most do a good job but some are irresponsible and are not interested in where their kids are or what they are doing.

"I just despair about what's going on. The wardens are making a difference in the area because the amount of vandalism has decreased but any incident is one too many."