THE cost of our increasing dependency on alcohol will be paid in the lives of Cumbrians says the boss of a national health organisation.

Today research showed that in the next five years more than 60,000 people will die from alcohol-related deaths.

A study undertaken by Sheffield University predicts that liver cancer will kill the equivalent of 35 people a day unless urgent action is taken.

They estimate between 2017 and 2022, more than 32,000 will die of liver cancer, and a further 22,000 of alcohol-related liver disease.

In Cumbria, the estimated cost of alcohol-related harm is staggering. Figures from Cumbria County Council show almost £200m is spent every year dealing with the problems caused by alcohol; this ranges from the financial strain put on the NHS, to the cost of policing alcohol-related crime.

Commenting on the university report, Andrew Langford, chief executive of the British Liver Trust, said: "Cumbria has some of the worst rates for hospital admissions for alcohol in the whole of England – and particularly high numbers of women who drink too much.

"Unless we urgently address this and improve prevention and early detection, the financial burden of liver disease will continue to grow at an alarming rate and the human cost and numbers of deaths will escalate."

Statistics from Barrow, South Lakeland and Copeland echo Mr Langford's warning. In Barrow £32m is spent on alcohol-related issues, equivalent to £462 per person in the borough.

In South Lakeland it is £34m (£329 per person) and in Copeland £37m (£533 per person).

County councillor for Ulverston East, Mark Wilson, has pushed for greater awareness when it comes to preventing future health problems - such as alcoholism.

He said: "Do we want to spend our last years in horrible decline or do we want to stave off that? That is what we are trying to do with our health agenda."

Cllr Wilson accepted that it may be too late to avoid the looming crisis in the short term, but he feels there is still work that can be done to prevent it getting worse.

He said: "Instead of having an alcohol-free night, have three alcohol-free nights."

Creating a greater awareness of the benefits of healthier living was vital, he said, to prolonging the lifespans of Cumbrians.

The data has renewed the debate about an increase in the minimum price of alcohol. A Department of Health spokesman said: "Liver disease can be incredibly damaging and we are committed to tackling the underlying causes. That’s why we moved to tax higher-strength beer and cider more than the equivalent lower-strength product."