Readers have been responding to news that drug death figures in Cumbria have risen.

FATALITIES related to drug misuse are on the rise nationally with Cumbria seeing nearly double the number compared to other areas of its size in England and Wales.

Figures reported by the Office for National Statistics show that 4,859 drug related deaths were recorded across England and Wales in 2021.

Carlisle has seen almost three times the national average number of drug deaths for an area of its size while Cumbria as a whole has nearly double the average amongst the counties, worked out as an average it equates to almost 16 deaths.

The number of drugs deaths nationally in 2021 is an increase of 6.2 per cent on the previous year.

A lack in engagement with support services has also been blamed for the rise in fatal drug misuse cases.

Mr Stevenson added that authorities need to “curtail” drug trafficking.

Carlisle City Council member for Newtown and Morton Pam Birks said: “I think the high deprivation plays into the use of drugs very much so and unemployment, people trying to escape what’s happening in their lives.

“Mental health issues definitely are creating a bigger issue for us in that people are trying to escape their problems.”

Here’s what readers had to say.

Barbara Hannah said: “Lack of any facilities to help with any kind of addiction is a major problem.”

Stacey Kidd said: “Lack of so many things in Carlisle.

“Lack of well paid jobs, good jobs, lack of decent education or rather nothing to aspire to other than to leave.”

Responding to Stacey, David Martin said: “Rubbish, that’s just a list of excuses.

“People just need to buck up and take responsibility for themselves, instead of wanting everything handed on a plate.”

Peter Blakemore said: “What's new?

“It was like that in 1990 and before.

“Cost of driving it underground.”

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