Norton Radstock Town Council and police has taken steps to deal with a growing drug problem in its area.

Following a meeting of the council's finance and general purposes committee a report by the town clerk Len Morris reveals a general drug problem in Norton Radstock.

Mr Morris has recommended an extension of the hours spent in the area by outreach worker Karen Lee in Midsomer Norton.

He said: "There is a problem for a worker to be required here. At the moment the worker visits the area one and a half days a week but we need her two and a half days a week"

As part of the Bath Area Drug Advisory Service the outreach worker is fully supported by Norton Radstock police.

Sergeant Kevin Adams said: "She is doing a sterling job and we support her any way we can, diverting people to the BADAS service."

Despite the report's identification of drugs use affecting crime levels in the area, no absolute figures were available, said Sgt Adams.

He said: "The link between drugs and crime is difficult to prove. We cannot come out with figures. We concentrate on referring drug users we come into contact with to BADAS."

The police decision to work with BADAS is part of a Government incentive to deter drug use.

Sgt Adams, said: "The policy is for a three pronged programme which covers law enforcement, harm reduction and education about drugs.

"When someone with a drugs link gets arrested we introduce them to a counsellor and they are given an opportunity to get support to come off drugs.'

Drugs are a social issue rather than a criminal one, says to Sgt Adams:

"Locking people up in prison is not effective in dealing with drug use, I believe it is a health issue not a criminal issue where people identified should come under the health umbrella."

Drug users have suspected links with crimes such as burglary. Money is needed by users to buy drugs, said Sgt Adams.

It is hoped the BADAS presence will deter young people in the Norton Radstock area from taking up drugs.

Anyone with a drug problem is encouraged to seek help from BADAS on (01225) 469479 before they reach crisis point.