A crackdown on people who don't pay their council tax has been launched.

Around £134,000 is owed and Allerdale council said there were 35 people across the borough who consistently fail to pay their bill.

Some owe more than £9,000.

A spokesman said: "Every effort is being made to help those who are finding it difficult to pay, such as those on benefits. However, where this is not the case, the council is stepping up plans to take the person to court and get the debt repaid."

The authority can use a number of options to recover the debt, including using bailiffs and bankruptcy application.

The maximum penalty for non-payment is 90 days imprisonment.

Alan Smith, council leader, said: "Many people think this is a victimless crime, but it isn't.

"For every penny not paid is less money to be spent on essential services which we all receive.

"It also means that those who do pay end up paying a little bit more than they have to, to make up the shortfall. We'll obviously help those who for whatever reason struggle to pay. However, we won't allow people to refuse to pay what is owed."

Allerdale council collects the levy to help pay for the services it provides as well as on behalf of Cumbria County Council, the police, and town and parish councils.

The spokesman urged anyone who was having trouble paying their council tax should get in contact with the authority as soon as possible.