A NEW league of shame today reveals Blackburn as a black- spot for television licence evasion.

Blackburn is placed seventh and is the only East Lancashire town listed in the table of 50.

The information has been compiled from TV Licensing's database, which holds details on 26 million addresses in the UK. It shows 1,827 culprits were caught in the town during the first financial quarter of this year. Worst in the country was South London with 3,332 evaders.

Enquiry officers are to step up their investigations in the light of the findings, in an attempt to clamp down on Blackburn's dodgers.

They will be armed with detection equipment including van and hand-held scanners.

"Appearing in the 'League of Shame' is something towns and cities should not be proud of," said Mick Hill, director of TV Licensing.

"Evasion is a serious business and is not fair on customers in the area who own a valid licence.

"My advice to people in the Blackburn area is to go and buy a licence now before they face a visit to their local magistrates court and a hefty fine."

For information on ways to pay for a TV licence, customers can call 0990 763 763.

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