A POPULAR Southampton campaigner who decided to pack in her vital voluntary work after being attacked by a gang of youths has been urged to reconsider her decision.

The calls for Mo Simmons to resume her role as chairman of Millbrook Towers Tenants' and Residents' Association come after the Daily Echo reported yesterday how the community champion was callously attacked by teenagers in Green Lane as she walked home.

She feels that unless she takes a back seat from local affairs her personal safety could be put at risk.

Redbridge councillor Paul Russell said: "Mo is a stalwart in the local community. I have known her for years and it's a tragedy for all the vulnerable people she has helped that this has happened.

"I can't believe that youngsters on the estate would attack her as she's well known for all the good work she does.

"If she stops working for the community because of this, it will be a tragedy."

Ian Smith, who runs the Food Barn in Windermere Avenue with brother Gary, said: "I would urge Mo to carry on her work as there's no one else around here who has got her determination and spirit."

Police inspector Howard Povey said: "I'm upset to hear that Mo has decided to give up her community work.

"It's a sad indictment of the behaviour of some of the youths in Millbrook whose lives she had been trying to improve."

Mo, 61, was expected to play an integral part in helping to put the pride back into her estate which had been tarnished by problem youths whose behaviour triggered a vigilante response.

Today she thanked well-wishers for their support.

She said: "I have hardly slept since the attack. I was in a shop at the weekend and a man was behind me on the escalator. I thought he was going to attack me. I've become paranoid.

"The saddest thing about all this is I feel I have little choice but to give up my work for Millbrook Towers Tenants' and Residents' Association. I've been involved with them for more than 11 years, but it's not worth continuing if I lose my health."

During last Thursday's disturbing attack, Mo was grabbed by two of the gang and threatened with violence before she produced her mobile phone and started to call the police. Moments earlier a brick and eggs had also been thrown at her.

Police are appealing for witnesses to the attack or anyone else with information to come forward.