NEWLY released figures reveal the number of drug deaths in Barrow have soared by 90 per cent since 2013.

According to figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS), in 2013 there were 16 deaths from drug poisoning in Barrow, but by 2018 this figure had risen to 30, representing an 87.5 per cent increase.

Sarah Heseltine lost her brother Keiron Daly two years ago when he died in a friend’s flat at Barrow Island’s Egerton Court after taking heroin and methadone.

Since then, the 34-year-old has volunteered at a new drug and alcohol support hub which aims to help people with substance abuse problems.

She said the statistics were ‘upsetting but not surprising.’

“I’m not surprised the figure is rising,” she said.

“There is a serious lack of funding and support for substance abuse support and mental health support which often leads people to self-medicate with drugs.

“I think there needs to be more facilities at home which offer immediate treatment for drug addicts.”

Cumbria's Police and Crime Commissioner Peter McCall said officers are attempting to address the social issues causing the raised drug death rates, including getting to the root of the 'problem'.

“The deaths in Barrow are a real concern,” Mr McCall said.

“We are going after the dealers supplying the drugs but unfortunately there is a demand for it here so we are fighting a constant battle. We’re focussing on the root of the problem and trying to address the social issues which are leading people to use drugs.”