CRACK cocaine use has risen in a borough, new figures have revealed.

Since 2010-11, the number of crack cocaine users has increased from 590 to 644 in 2016/17 in Blackburn with Darwen, according to Public Health England (PHE) data.

Nationally, the number of users of the drug has rocketed by 8.5 per cent between 2011 to 2012 and 2016 to 2017, from 166,640 to 180,748, while treatment for crack cocaine addiction has also risen by 19 per cent.

Health experts are blaming the rise on people being able to buy crack for ‘pocket money prices’ of £5 per rock and on being able to have the drug delivered quicker than a pizza.

Addiction treatment experts UKAT believe their admissions for crack cocaine addiction will overtake heroin and alcohol combined in the near future because of the price tag and ease of access;

Eytan Alexander, CEO of UKAT, said: “We’re treating more and more people for crack cocaine addiction because of its low price tag and accessibility.

“People can buy it with one click. It’s extremely potent and because users develop a high tolerance to the drug after just a few uses, it’s highly addictive.

“Looking ahead, we think we could treat more people this year for crack addiction than heroin and alcohol combined, and that in itself is huge.”

Rosanna O’Connor, director for drugs, alcohol, tobacco and justice at PHE, said: “This report will come as no surprise to those working on the frontline, who will have seen first-hand this surge in crack use in their communities.”

Victoria Atkins, minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, said: “The government is committed to tackling the illicit drugs trade.

“Protecting the most vulnerable and helping those with drug dependency to recover,” she added.