VICTIMS of crime in East Lancashire want harsher punishments handed out to criminals.

Gareth Jones, a manager with Lancashire Youth Offending Team, told a meeting at County Hall in Preston that victims wanted courts to dish out stronger sentences.

After the meeting, Mr Jones said that in some cases people wanted to see a return to capital punishments like the birch and cane.

According to Lancashire Youth Offending Team - the group in charge of youth justice - more than 500 victims of crime were consulted last year.

Mr Jones said that while more than 80 per cent were happy with the services provided by his team, many wanted to see the courts get tough. He was called to Preston to give county councillors an update on a Youth Justice Plan for 2005-2005.

The plan centres around 13 national performance measures which look at preventing and dealing with youth crime and its victims.

Almost £8.5million from bodies such as the police, councils and health authorities will be spent implementing the plan across Lancashire.

One of the methods employed by the Youth Offending Team to prevent crime is providing "diversionary" activities during school holidays - giving youngsters something to do which can prevent them getting into trouble while bored.

A Positive Activities for Young People (PAYP) scheme is implemented during all the main holiday periods in all parts of Lancashire as part of this idea.

Mr Jones said: "We consulted more than 500 victims of youth crime last year. While some took an historic view of crime and punishment most were happy with the service we provided.

"We have developed a theme of local involvement that includes people from local communities and we are doing well against the 13 national indicators."

The plan was welcomed by members of the county council. Leader Hazel Harding, who represents Rossendale West, said: "There is a huge issue out there and if we get it right for the youngsters we will get it right for society in the future."

Pendle Coun David Whipp said: "It is important to get young people away from the behaviour that is going to lead them to offend.

"The results from the early intervention work done already is very encouraging."