TOWN hall leaders in Burnley have given their backing to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph's 'Drive Out Drugs' campaign.

They welcomed the two-pronged telephone initiative aimed at snaring dealers while offering a special helpline for those with drug problems.

Burnley council, which declared its own war on drugs after a major survey showed widespread and growing public concern over what has been branded 'the plague of the '90s,' believes the action could play a vital role in tackling the menace.

Council leader Kath Reade, said: "We particularly commend the campaign for providing support for drug users, as well as trying to crack crime. Tackling the drugs issue is one of the top priorities for the people of Burnley, according to the council's community survey and we are keen to respond, working in partnership."

She added: "This is not a simple problem with simple remedies. We need many different people and agencies working together." The council's community safety sub-committee chairman, Coun Tony Harrison, echoed his support for the campaign. "It is brilliant. I admire the Telegraph for launching this campaign."

Labour bosses themselves, aim to build on present schemes by putting an extra £73,000 into a new anti-drug plan and to bid for more cash to tackle the problem. They are strengthening links with police and other agencies and drawing up an overall action plan in the coming weeks.

The recent major survey of more than 1,100 residents identified drug problems as the major source of public concern - a greater headache than crime in general.

Anti-drug campaigner Coun Eddie Fisk also voiced strong support for the Telegraph's action, saying. "Drugs pose the greatest sickness facing Burnley and the country as a whole. If the Telegraph's initiative can help save a single life or keep just one young person off drugs, it will have been more than worthwhile."

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