OFFENDERS who don't pay up on time are being targeted in a clampdown by the Lancashire Magistrates Courts Service.

The service has been awarded £285,000 by the Lord Chancellor's Department to help increase the collection rates on fines, compensation orders and court costs.

Fines clinics are being set up across the County including Blackpool allowing magistrates more time to deal with serious payment defaulters.

It is also planned to run debt counselling and advisory services using volunteer groups alongside the clinics.

Facilities to pay over the telephone by credit or debit card have already been made available on the Fylde Coast.

New measures will include campaigns enabling enforcement officers, supported by the police and with the help of local authorities, to target defaulters across the county.