TOWN hall chiefs are backing proposals which would give them tough new powers to deal with criminals and troublemakers on estates.

Blackburn with Darwen Council wants to use community safety orders, which are part of series of measures introduced by Blackburn MP and Home Secretary Jack Straw to tackle crime.

The aim is to single out individuals who threaten and intimidate people in their local community and neighbourhoods.

Professional witnesses collect evidence in cases of bullying and intimidation, then the courts issue the new orders.

An order made against a person bans them from an area or district for a minimum of two years. Youngsters would also be covered by the new legislation.

Children who break the curfews, which are being proposed by the Government, would face having a community safety order placed on them.

If an order is broken or ignored, police would have immediate powers of arrest.

Offenders would then face a prison sentence of up to five years as well as an unlimited fine. The Home Office has written to Blackburn with Darwen Council asking for its views, and the public protection sub committee will discuss it next Wednesday.

Director of technical services Alan Peake said: "The proposals recognise that we should be concerned to protect the civil liberties of those experiencing rather than causing anti-social behaviour.

"There are enough safeguards in the act to protect civil liberties."

He said it would cost money to make it work and added: "The Government must support local authorities with adequate resources."

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