POLICE are stepping up patrols at this week's Witton Park Easter Fair in a bid to crackdown on anti-social behaviour from a minority of troublemakers.
An extra presence will be at the site at peak times, armed with body-worn CCTV cameras to capture evidence of people misbehaving.
Officers said ‘loutish behaviour’ will not be tolerated at the park, off Preston Old Road in Blackburn.
And troublemakers could even be banned from the park under police powers.
Other measures imposed by Blackburn with Darwen Council include an earlier closing time of 8pm, on-site security guards and a total alcohol ban in the park following incidents of nuisance last year.
Police Constable Gary Hennighan said: "The vast majority of fairgoers are families and well-behaved people but, unfortunately, there is a minority who think it is alright to engage in anti-social behaviour - often alcohol fuelled.
"If necessary, we will use all powers available to ensure that decent people can enjoy the fair without fear of intimidation from a mindless minority.
"Those who think it's alright to mess about face being arrested, given on-the-spot fines or even being banned from the park for a specified time using Direction To Leave powers."
The fair is running through the Easter holidays until Sunday, April 11.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here