A NEW approach to tackling drug problems in Hartlepool has been hailed as very important for the community.

Hartlepool's Drug Action Team was launched yesterday by agencies including the borough council, health authority and police.

The team has been set up to provide a united approach to tackling drug problems, and help users to kick the habit.

Mike Farrar, chief executive of Tees Health Authority, said: "If a young drug misuser goes to get help, there are about 26 different agencies which could have a part to play in the care of that person.

"You have to think what that means at ground level when a person is looking to get care.

"The whole point of the drug action team is to bring together these agencies to make sense of the services for the individual."

The team will help to coordinate services for drug users in Hartlepool, and secure funding from regional and national bodies.

As well as educating people to try to stop them taking drugs in the first place, the team will try to ensure that those who take drugs get help so they do not have a negative effect on the community.

Mr Farrar said: "It is an opportunity to focus on the community in Hartlepool, but also to get funding from regional and national authorities.

"We know we can do a lot in schools, but we cannot do something for everyone. We need to make sure that those who do get into difficulties have got easy access to services at the right time, and in the right place."

Mr Farrar said there was no quick solution.

He said: "We have to have a long term commitment to give the community the confidence that the services will be available.

"Today is the start, not the end of the process. This is a very important day for Hartlepool.