THE head of a Barrow addiction charity has questioned new government statistics indicating the number of alcohol-specific deaths in the region fell significantly in the last year.

New figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) showed that there were 24 fewer deaths as a direct consequence of alcohol misuse in the North-West last year, dropping to the lowest recorded numbers since 2013.

But David Higham, CEO and founder of The Well, said the picture painted by the statistics “doesn’t chime with my experiences” working at the third-sector group that combats alcohol abuse and addiction in Furness, as well as providing rehabilitation support.

“We haven’t had the sense the number of deaths caused directly or indirectly by alcohol abuse has fallen significantly over the 12-month period covered by the figures.

“At The Well, we’ve been dealing with a large number of alcohol-related casualties and fatalities. We don’t see any clear signs the number of these kinds of incidents fell during this time period or that they’re falling now.”

Cllr Bill McEwan also said the figures were “questionable,” adding that, if there were a breakdown for Barrow or the Furness area

“I’d imagine we would see a much higher level of alcohol abuse and of deaths resulting directly or indirectly from that abuse in comparison with the majority of the region or with Cumbria-wide levels.

“My impression isn’t that alcohol abuse or that the often tragic consequences of it have fallen dramatically in Barrow. Even more worryingly, we’re seeing growing rates of alcohol consumption and abuse among minors. Now, although this isn’t necessarily leading directly to fatalities, it’s causing lasting damage to these kids who are still developing and poisoning themselves in effect.”

Cllr McEwan, who chairs the local heath and wellbeing board, said: “Especially at this time of year we see lots of drinking to excess - with Christmas parties, Black Eye Friday etc - which is often where a lot of these avoidable tragedies take place. I urge people to not drink and drive. Always leave the keys at home”