MPS, police and local authorities are to meet to see if any areas of East Lancashire should be put forward for inclusion in the 20 crime 'hot spots' proposed by Tony Blair.

The Prime Minister promised in his keynote speech to the Labour Party conference in Blackpool that new 'zero tolerance' anti-crime blitzes should target specific areas in England.

Minor criminals would face tough penalties to stop them becoming hardened thugs as extra cash was poured in to crack down on crimes like street robbery, burglary, car theft, race attacks and alcohol-related and public order offences.

Rossendale and Darwen MP Janet Anderson, said East Lancashire could provide suitable target areas for the trail-blazing new initiative.

She said local MPs, police and councils would consult on whether there were any parts of the region that should be put forward for the initial short list of 20 'hot spots' to be drawn up by Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw.

The Film and Tourism Minister said: "This new crackdown is a good idea.

"I shall be talking to my colleagues, local authorities and police about it.

"There may be areas of East Lancashire that should be put forward for this short-list.

"We all need to get together and decide if there are parts of East Lancashire that would benefit.

"As an East Lancashire MP, I'm sure Mr Straw understands very well the needs and problems of the area."

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