ROWDY youngsters have been forced to sign good behaviour agreements after passengers on a bus complained that the route has become 'a nightmare'.

The E3 bus, serving Chiswick, Greenford, Hanwell, Northfields and Acton, has become a no-go for many users since pupils from Chiswick Community School began their reign of terror.

The complaints, which were posted on a Chiswick community website, include accusations of fighting, swearing, shouting and shoving passengers by pupils as young as 11.

They prompted new Chiswick Community School headteacher, David Brockie, to establish the Home School Agreement on Monday, which states what is expected of children in terms of conduct to and from school.

The issue was raised by Paul Allen, a contributor to the www.chiswickw4.com website, who, writing on behalf of his wife who has sought an alternative route to work, claimed that 'drivers of the bus deserve a medal for putting up with such offensive behaviour'.

Another resident. Patricia Zengerle, labelled the E3 'a bus for hooligans' and a parent of a pupil said that her son 'finds the E3 a nightmare and prefers to walk to school'.

Mr Brockie said: "The behaviour of our students in the community is certainly a school concern, but is a shared responsibility with parents and members of the public.

"Parents and children will sign the document after discussing it so that each individual understands what we expect in terms of conduct to and from school. Any pupil identified as a trouble-maker will be disciplined."

A First London Buses spokeswoman said: "We have had problems with pupils but are working with the school to eradicate them."