ROWDY revellers and arsonists could see their antics crushed as a drive to tackle residents' worries steps up a gear.

'Operation Goodnight' will see more town centre police patrols at night and a more robust treatment of licensed premises which breach regulations.

The action is part of a new Anti-social Behaviour Strategy launched in Lancaster this week by Home Office Minister Hazel Blears.

It follows a consultation of more than 5,000 residents by the Lancaster District Community Safety Partnership.

Common gripes were criminal damage, litter and rowdy behaviour, often at weekends.

And Lancashire Police's Chief Sup't Wendy Walker says the Poulton and West End wards have been flagged up as 'hot spot' areas for firebugs.

She told the minister on Monday that the number of deliberate rubbish fires in Morecambe rose by 44 per cent last year.

The partnership is bidding for cash to set up a rapid response squad to be able to tackle problem areas.

Ms Blears, minister for crime reduction, policing and community safety, says councils, police and communities must work together to tackle anti-social behaviour.

"Last week new powers came into effect to shut down crack houses, disperse groups causing harassment or intimidation and extend the use of penalty notices for disorder," she says.

"These give people on the front line the tools to tackle problems and we are giving councils powers to help clean-up communities."