We wish Jennie Harmston well in her new role as Swindon's 'drugs czar'.

Her official title is co-ordinator of the Swindon Drug Action Team.

And it was in that role that she yesterday hosted a meeting to discuss how the problem of addiction in the town could be targeted.

She is choosing the correct approach. She cannot tackle the scourge of drugs without the co-operation with the agencies which see their devastating effects at first hand.

The town now has 1,200 heroin users. That places an enormous burden on health and social services and police.

It is a rising trend which must be stemmed, both through the use of police to tackle the suppliers and by offering emotional and practical support to those caught up in the web of addiction.

Ms Harmston's team is part of a national 10-year strategy to make an impact on drugs.

Given Swindon's economic strength, there is no reason why she should not succeed in the town. Now we must all get behind her work to ensure it has a real impact.