A SPECIAL 'hit squad' is being set up to blitz fine dodgers in East Lancashire.

The hard-line clampdown on non-payers of fines, costs and compensation will see more than 30 enforcement officers targeting defaulters throughout Blackburn, Darwen, Ribble Valley and Accrington.

And the man co-ordinating the effort, chief enforcement officer John Winn, has warned there will be no hiding place as the civilian officers will have the support of the police, the Department of Work and Pensions and the local authorities.

He said: "My officers will be using locally-based intelligence and, armed with arrest warrants, they will be working in teams to blitz the targeted areas right across the area, day and night.

"This campaign will help us to make sure those who can pay do pay."

The clampdown is due to start next Sunday and a warning has been given so people can take steps to put their houses in order.

Mr Winn said it is accepted that some people do have genuine difficulties and he urged those people to seek the help of the courts.

He said: "They will be treated with understanding and it is entirely possible that the court will be able to resolve the problem before further penalties are ordered."

The special teams of enforcers will be arresting people who haven't paid their fine, court costs or compensation as ordered. Depending on the terms of the warrant, those arrested will either be bailed to appear at court another time or taken in custody to appear before magistrates and explain why they have not paid.

"Getting all offenders to pay fines and other financial penalties on time has always been a problem, not just here in Lancashire but right across the UK," added Mr Winn.

"If the court is not satisfied that the reasons for non-payment are genuine, or the defaulter has shown culpable neglect in making sure the fines are paid, the court can order further, stringent penalties.

"These include a distress warrant ordering bailiffs to seize and sell the offenders' goods, or a term of imprisonment."