A special meeting headed by Swindon's new drug czar is taking place next week.

The new Swindon Drug Action Team is asking all organisations with an interest in drug issues to send a representative to the meeting on Monday afternoon.

The idea is to give everyone a say on how DAT's strategies should be shaped, and to find out how different groups can help reduce drug misuse in Swindon.

Jennie Harmston, who will take up the new position of co-ordinator for DAT in the New Year, will be speaking at the meeting, and said groups directly supporting and helping drug addicts were not the only ones invited.

"We want representatives from religious groups, parents and carers' groups, educational establishments, and leisure and recreational groups to attend.

"Some of these can help by creating diversionary activities which draw young people away from the streets and give them opportunities to be constructive with their spare time."

DAT is not specifically geared towards young people it aims to help people of any age or social standing.

Representatives from groups and organisations with an interest in drug issues should turn up to the meeting in Committee Room Six of the Civic Offices, Euclid Street, Swindon, at 3pm on Monday.