PENDLE MP Andrew Stephenson has welcomed new crime and justice measures announced by the Government.

The measures include tougher community sentences, a new offence for the ‘middle men’ who supply firearms, and new powers to restrict the sale of alcohol in the early hours.

Mr Stephenson said: “Crime and anti-social behaviour causes misery in local communities. We need a criminal justice system which is tough, but intelligent. For too long community sentences have been seen as a soft option and victims have been let down.

"Victims should come first and offenders face meaningful a punishment. The changes which the government have set out will see punishment return to community sentences, a new offence for people who supply guns, new powers to tackle alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour and a new focus on tackling re-offending.”