A HYNDBURN group is looking to tackle the area's 'drug epidemic' after applying for charity status.

Last year Josh Allen from Oswaldtwistle set up the Walmsley Foundation in memory of his grandfather, former Oswaldtwistle cllr Brian Walmsley.

The group held its first meeting on Monday evening and is looking to set up a 'Hyndburn Action Group' to tackle issues in the area.

The first issue the group is focusing on is the 'drug epidemic' in Hyndburn, after Mr Allen noticed the high number of drug related deaths over the year.

This included the death of a friend's family member and he now wants to make it easier for people to talk about drug issues.

Mr Allen, 23, said: "Action needs to be taken to stop anymore deaths in Hyndburn.

"The area is being hit with a drug epidemic, we need to get rid of it.

"It's been left far too late as it is.

"We just want to let people know they are not along and make them more aware of the services on offer.

"Hopefully we will go on to tackle more problems throughout the issue, but this is a brilliant first issue."

The Walmsley Foundation currently has around 10 people involved so far.

The group is aiming to join forces with charities such as Red Rose Recovery and Inspire, and also police, to help make it easier to access help for those suffering from drug problems.

They have also spoke with councillors about issues in the area.

Mr Allen said he ultimately wants the group to be able to go into schools and colleges to talk to young people about drug issues, and also hold their own classes.

However Mr Allen was left annoyed at the turnout for the first meeting held on Monday night.

Less than 10 people attended, after initially hoping around 50 would attend.

Mr Allen said: "It was quite atrocious.

"We had promises from people telling us they would be coming along and they just didn't turn up.

"It's quite annoying. We're going to be holding another meeting soon and hopefully everyone will come along then."

The group are now going to be looking at getting a pop up drug testing site in Accrington Town Centre for over the August bank holiday weekend.

The group has applied for charity status to the Charity Commission, and is expecting to hear back in the coming weeks or months.