'Treatment' to tackle Wear drugs problem

Treating addicts can help cut crime in Sunderland

A Sunderland drug strategy expert has urged residents and businesses to think before objecting to plans for drug treatment centres.

Mandy Taylor is the co-ordinator of the Sunderland Drug Action Team which is about to open its fourth unit in the city after a search for premises.

She said the centres are vital in the fight against drug abuse but they are often hard to set up because of local objections.

She said: "The only solution to the drug problem is to get people treated.

'Reduces crime'

"We have to get people who have a drug problem off of drugs, and break the cycle and get them clear of drug use, otherwise the problem will grow and grow.

"The benefit to the people of Sunderland is that for every £1 spent on treatment we save £3 on criminal justice costs, insurance, and crime.

"Getting people into treatment reduces crime, but unfortunately it is not the most popular thing to have on your doorstep.

"We do have problems trying to get planning permission to open our centres."

She said treatment was of major importance because it reduces demand, and therefore cuts supply into major city centres.