A SCHEME in which troublemakers at the Royal Bolton Hospital receive on the spot £80 fixed penalty notices for loutish behaviour is winning plaudits.

Bolton Police say other forces have taken an interest in the pilot scheme, which has been hailed a huge success since its launch in November last year.

It is time that yobs who threaten caring medical staff receive the full weight of the law because, as many people complain, louts never seem to get the comeuppance they richly deserve.

Whether an £80 on the spot fixed penalty is the right move is something that will become apparent over the next few months.

Anything that puts a brake on anti-social behaviour has to be supported and applauded.