HARD-UP offenders who are unable to pay court fines could be allowed to work off their arrears by working in the community without being paid.

That is one of the options open to Bury Magistrates as they join a national campaign to crackdown on fine defaulters.

Operation Payback, which began on Monday, is an unprecedented blitz on those who have not paid fines. It aims to recover criminals' assets, prevent money laundering and recoup the £354 million in financial penalties outstanding in England and Wales.

Posters of gone up in magistrates' courts and police stations warning those who default that they will face the consequences.

Dodgers could have the fines deducted direct from their wages or certain state benefits. Non-payers could also be arrested and imprisoned.

Under Operation Payback, fines will no longer be written off and they will be chased until they are paid. The private sector could also be brought in to collect outstanding fines. Also, consideration would be given for allowing deductions for earlier payment but increased penalties for late payment. If offenders really cannot pay, they could be allowed to pay the fine off by unpaid work in the community.