THE Government has made a priority of cracking down on crime, tackling anti-social behaviour and "yob culture".

On-the-spot fines will be introduced for minor offences thought to include dropping litter or chewing gum, graffiti and fly-posting.

Local authorities and police will be encouraged to make more use of the Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) brought in three years ago, which have been little used.

Included are:

* Extending the number of offences which can be punished with on-the-spot fines.

* Giving other officials powers to impose the fines, such as binmen and other council officials fining litter louts.

* Making it easier to evict anti-social tenants.

* Introducing measures to tackle graffiti and fly-tipping.

Probation union Napo said enforcing the swathe of new offences and fines would require tens of thousands of extra wardens, possibly under the Government's Community Support Officer scheme.

A major criticism of Asbos has been the bureaucracy involved, but the proposals aim to simplify the process.

Redcar and Cleveland District Council leader Dave Walsh said: "Asbos are a very useful tool - but have been cumbersome. By strengthening them, we should be able to stop people running into mainstream crime."

South Middlesbrough and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar, said: "Too many people still have to put up with neighbours from hell and from gangs of street youths who seek pleasure from tormenting law-abiding citizens.

"The existing law has been too bureaucratic and cumbersome and has become a happy hunting ground for lawyers."