IT is more than unwelcome news that the latest cuts imposed on our town could see family centres and a school drugs education programme put in jeopardy.

Central Government has announced it will stop paying for drugs advisers to visit schools and youth clubs.

Just days after 16-year-old Kate Walsh died from a suspected overdose in a central Swindon squat, this is ominous news for the town.

Kate's sad end highlighted how education and help for young people is needed more than ever. These cuts may save money in the short term, but we will only end up with more people turning to drugs if they cannot get the support they need.

Meanwhile, three family centres in Walcot, Park North and West Swindon could end up closing if £50,000 is taken from each of their budgets by Swindon Council to keep tax down.

Nobody wants to pay high council tax, but as family centres help some of the vulnerable who need it most single parent families and young families, these savings would be bordering on the immoral.

The centres play a vital role in helping the council reach its Government targets for counteracting teenage pregnancy and domestic violence.

If we continue to see cuts to services which help Swindon people, we will be storing up trouble for the future.