THREE of the 15 local authority districts in England and Wales with the highest rates of heroin and morphine-misuse deaths are in East Lancashire, figures have revealed.

Burnley, Hyndburn and Blackburn with Darwen have seen the highest rates of drugs misuse fatalities where heroin or morphine were mentioned in the death certificate from 2014 to 2016, according to data from the Office of National Statistics. 

Burnley recorded the second highest number of deaths in the country with 7.6 deaths per 100,000 people.

Hyndburn's death rate is the sixth highest in the country with 5.4 deaths per 100,000 while Blackburn with Darwen is 12th highest with 4.7 deaths per 100,000.

This compares with the national average of 1.7 in England and 2.3 in Wales.

Other East Lancashire towns have also seen death rates recorded above the national average, including Pendle (3.7), Ribble Valley (2.8) and Rossendale (2.4).

Another Lancashire town, Blackpool, has recorded the highest death rate in the country with 14 deaths per 100,000 people.

In 2016, the number of drug-related deaths where heroin and/or morphine were mentioned on the death certificate has increased by almost eight times since 1993.

Public Health England has suggested a link between areas of higher deprivation and drugs misuse, including housing and employment.

More to follow

Leaders of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Hyndburn Council have urged for firm action against the dealers of drugs.

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council, said: "It's a big concern of course, particularly as some reports say it's not just young people but middle age people who are addicted.

"Some of the problems are related to the reduction in police numbers and the cuts in public services, which are having a negative effect in Hyndburn.

"Addiction has to be substituted and we have to be the long arm of the law against those who supply these illegal narcotics related to crime and anti-social behaviour."

Blackburn with Darwen Council leader Mohammed Khan said he has received three complaints from people of heroin use since the turn of the year and has urged people to contact the police if they see or know anything.

He said: "There's too much (drug use) going on in Blackburn.

"I think we are doing a great deal to agitate the people who are likely selling these drugs but we have to raise awareness about this issue and make sure enforcement officers do everything possible to stop those dealing drugs."