'ZERO Tolerance policing' is the way forward for Morecambe, according to the city council's Independent group.

The group said this week that it wants to see more police on the streets and fewer 'handouts' for those who 'won't help themselves'.

Huge sums of money have, it says, been spent on the West End - with 'transients and drug dealers' - dubbed 'leeches' by the group - the beneficiaries.

It is demanding a crackdown on litter, anti-social behaviour, vandalism, drugs and dog fouling, with more police on the beat and less cash for 'handouts' to people who won't play a part in a safe, decent society.

In a statement issued by council leader, Cllr Tricia Heath, the group said: "More emphasis should be put on looking after the decent, hard working people in this district.

"We totally agree with helping those who can't help themselves but not throwing money and resourced as those who won't help themselves.

"How can society improve when Labour reward bad or criminal behaviour by holidays or away days while good behaviour gets no reward.

The world's gone back to front."

The group says it has started to put some actions into place and will go into greater detail in coming weeks.

'Zero tolerance' was pioneered by the controversial mayor of Middlesborough, Ray 'Robocop' Mallon, during his time as a police chief.

He will speak to north-west independents next month.