TWO women have been convicted as benefit cheats after an anti-fraud team stepped up its crackdown.

Wyre Borough Council has operated the team since 1999 as part of a government framework to combat fraud.

And it has now resulted in the prosecution of Fleetwood residents Fiona Horsley from Sylvia Way, and Anne Martin of Greenfield Road, at the town's Magistrates court last week.

This follows eight other prosecutions during the last twelve months of the operation.

Ms Horsley pleaded guilty and admitted cheating the system of £6,651 in housing benefit and £1,073 in council tax benefit.

She had not declared a second job or long-standing partner and was given a one-year Community Rehabilitation Order. She had to pay £150 costs and the judge warned her that failure to comply with the order could lead to a custodial sentence.

Miss Martin pleaded guilty to failing to notify a change in her circumstances that netted her £3,000 in housing benefit and council tax benefit.

She had an undeclared bank account and a second job. She was given an 80-hour Community Punishment Order and ordered to pay £300 legal costs.

Council treasurer Alan Hunter said: "We have been successful in cracking down on those who cheat the system. Undetected fraud costs the taxpayer money and diverts vital resources away from more important areas."

Wyre Borough Council was one of the first authorities to link up with a government framework to combat benefit fraud. Since June 1, 1999, every benefit application must be checked to the original documents.

The scheme has resulted in over 600 benefit claims being adjusted or cancelled and the identification of £295,000 in fraudulent over-payments in its first year.

The council receives a grant of £70,000 each year to cover the cost of extra staff, computer hardware and software. The government offers increased grants as an incentive to success.

Several members of the council's anti-benefit fraud team have completed a Lancashire Police training course on how to conduct interviews. Staff are able to interview suspected benefit cheats to a standard that means a prosecution could follow.

The council has a direct line to the fraud team for members of the public to give information. It is 01253 887348.