Tony Blair today launched a crackdown on yob culture.

The Prime Minister unveiled measures to clean up communities blighted by graffiti, litter and abandoned cars.

He said loutish behaviour and rundown streets seriously undermined people's quality of life.

Mr Blair announced a Community Payback scheme under which young offenders who vandalise public buildings will have to repair the damage they caused.

Courts already have powers to impose reparation orders on offenders who commit crimes against individuals.

The Community Payback scheme will extend the principle to offenders who commit victimless crimes.

Mr Blair said: "Streets that are dirty and threatening deter people from going out. They signal that the community has lost interest."

He unveiled proposals to speed up the removal of abandoned cars, extra cash for neighbourhood wardens and a £30 million fund to create extra Home Zones, areas where walking and cycling are given priority.

Updated: 10.50 Tuesday, April 24