LEGAL moves to crack down on under-age drinking, vandals and litter louts have been welcomed.
Darwen MP Janet Anderson applauded an extension to powers which allow police to use on-the-spot fines.
She said the fines would deter people thinking about causing trouble.
"Fixed penalty notices make big savings in police time, freeing them up to patrol the streets," she said.
"They enable the courts to concentrate on more serious offences and give offenders an immediate punishment.
"Vandalising property, fouling streets with litter, blind drunk teenagers causing trouble or stealing for a buzz - this is anti-social, criminal behaviour and a scourge on society.
"People committing these offences will no longer be let off with a verbal warning."
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