VICTIMS of children's unruly behaviour in Burnley and Padiham have been told by the government about tough new measures about to be introduced.

People who felt so threatened by young people that they wrote to MP Peter Pike have received a reply from home office minister Alun Michael.

He wrote back with details of plans for curfews, faster justice and new punishments designed to nip bad behaviour in the bud.

Mr Pike says the plans will be welcomed by many local people. "This is a common problem throughout Burnley," he said.

"Labour are not prepared to let a minority spoil life for the majority."

Mr Michael outlined changes which should come into force next year, including the replacement of repeat police cautions with a final warning, a cut in the time it takes for offenders to come to court, and a range of measures to educate young offenders and force them to repay the damage they cause.

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