Officers used the �80 fixed penalty notices on the streets of the Berkshire town for the first time at the weekend.

Thames Valley Police say the fines are handed out to those whose behaviour "falls short of being arrested".

They are being heralded as more effective than the warnings officers could hand out previously.

Ch Supt Dave Murray said: "Fixed penalty notices will provide officers with a useful alternative disposal, freeing up officers' time and contributing significantly to tackling inappropriate behaviour which can undermine the perception of safety in our town centres."

Six fines were handed out in the street on Friday and Saturday nights to people caught swearing, urinating in the street and causing trouble outside a club.

Twenty-four people who were too drunk or too violent to be fined were arrested - with many facing fines in the morning.