It has emerged that close to 200 drivers are being penalised by Bradford Council traffic wardens each day. Having taken over parking regulation from the police in March, council wardens have handed out almost 36,000 fines, generating £850,000 in penalty charges. Mary Frame, of Bradford Chamber of Trade, said: “People will be put off coming into the centre of Bradford to shop if they have to worry about this level of tickets being issued.”

Figures published by the Highland Council have revealed that its money advice officers have dealt with people blighted by a combined debt of over £3million during the recession. They report goes on to say that so-called “maximisation staff” have assisted people in claiming £785,000 in benefits.

The success of a scheme which sees marshalls patrolling taxi ranks in parts of Bath during the night, in a bid to combat anti-social behaviour, has resulted in it being extended to other areas of the city.

Haringey Council’s plans for an outdoor gym, to be constructed in the shape of the Olympics 2012 logo at a popular picnic site, have drawn opposition from critics who believe it will attract yobs. In a letter to the planning department Alwyn McLennan, a local resident, said: "The proposal will be another gathering place for gangs and troublemakers who already terrorise the area.”