NEW measures are to be introduced in Burnley after new figures revealed the true extent of drug addiction in the town.

Figures released following a major audit show the number of female addicts seeking support in Burnley compared to men topped the national average with twice as many women addicts as men come forward for help.

The audit highlighted a lack of rehabilitation and social services support in the town as well as supported housing for young people, women, children and women with children but Burnley Council said social inclusion issues were being addressed.

The audit was carried out on the back of the Burnley Task Force report, which indicated that one of the causes of the riots may have been a row between rival drug gangs.

Police today said the number of women addicts was often concealed as crimes traditionally committed to fund drug habits involved men, who received help once arrested. Officers said women looking for drug money turned to prostitution or shoplifting -- which come to police attention less frequently.

Keith Owen of drugs action group Lifeline said places like Burnley suffered from high levels of drug addiction because of the deprived areas, but he said the fact that the number of women seeking treatment was going up was a positive thing. Lancashire Constabulary attribute around 80 per cent of burglaries to people funding a heroin addiction. Sgt Martin Selway of Burnley Police said: "Many male addicts have partners who are also addicts but who do not commit crime themselves and rely on others carrying out offences to fund their habit."

The drugs audit of the area was carried out by Manchester University Drugs Misuse Research Unit for Burnley Borough Drugs Task Group. The group was asked to look into drug-related issues raised by the Task Force Action Plan produced by the council as a response to investigations into last summer's riots. Sarah Crosby, one of the research team, announced the results of the audit this week at a public meeting at Turf Moor.

She said the figures suggested a serious drugs problem in the town. East Lancashire is the fourth worst region for drug abuse in the North West.

Mrs Crosby said it was not a coincidence that Burnley had a drug problem and the highest domestic burglary rate in Lancashire. The audit also revealed a lack of rehabilitation and social services support and supported housing for young people, women, children and women with children.

Mrs Crosby said: "More communication with community groups is needed. And there are waiting list problems -- for people waiting for treatment -- but access has improved gradually."

But Melva Burton community safety officer for Burnley council, who has been working with the task group and other agencies on crime and drugs issues, said the problem was being addressed.

She said: "There is now a maximum of 12 weeks to wait. By March 2003 it is hoped this will be down to four weeks."

The audit also suggested incorporating alcohol use into the task force aims and including Pendle and Rossendale in their plans. The Drugs Task Group will now look at how to address the findings.