Those deemed to be drunk and disorderly could be fined �80

From Friday, police in Warrington have the power to issue �50 or �80 fines for offences from drinking alcohol to being drunk and disorderly.

Cheshire's chief Constable Peter Fahy will be among the officers patrolling the town centre on Friday night.

It is the first time on-the-spot fines will be used in Cheshire.

Fixed penalty notices have been used since April 2004 but previously offenders had to be taken to the police station.

Offenders will be fined �50 for consuming alcohol outside designated areas, being drunk in the highway and under-age drinking.

The �80 fines will be issued for some public order offences and those deemed to be drunk and disorderly.

Supt Julia Clayton, Warrington's divisional commander, said: "Issuing fixed penalty notices in the street will ultimately speed up the process of dealing with those responsible for offences, freeing up officer's time and enabling them to get back to patrolling straight away."