Concerns over rise in ketamine use

PARTS of Lancashire are in the grip of a 'ketamine crisis' - with the drug causing a surge in visits to A&E amongst those using it.

- BY PAUL FAULKNER LOCAL Democracy Reporter

That was the warning issued at a Lancashire County Council cabinet meeting, which also heard of the growing popularity of the potentially lethal substance amongst young people.

The discussion came as the authority was handed a £10.6m government grant to fund services designed to reduce the supply and demand for drugs in Lancashire by bolstering the treatment and recovery options available to those who take them.

The cash, for 2025/26, is the largest amount the county council area has received in four years of the nationwide 'Harm to Hope Plan' which aims to cut crime associated with drugs - and save the lives of users.

It will also be used to help those dependent on alcohol.

Progressive Lancashire opposition group leader Azhar Ali welcomed the funding - and called for a particular focus on ketamine and working to prevent people becoming addicted to it in the first place.

"[There is a] ketamine crisis in places like Burnley and there is a real need to learn from people who have gone through that experience," County Coun Ali said.