MIDDLEWICH town councillors are planning to launch an all-out offensive against the growing problem of drug abuse in the town.

At last week's meeting councillors were discussing how to avoid becoming victims of crime.

Clr Ben Hart, who is a teacher, told councillors that he believed petty thieving was caused by a drug problem among the town's youth.

"I have been led to believe that drug taking is becoming endemic in Middlewich," said Clr Hart.

"We should be asking the police for strategies to fight what appears to be an undercurrent of drug abuse that leads to this kind of thieving."

The problem is thought to be biggest in the 16 to 19 year old age group and the council wants every section of the community to work together to fight it.

Clr Mike Hunter said: "It is the same problem nationwide and only when parents, schools, police, the Wych Centre and everyone in Middlewich works together will we find a solution here."

There was a major drive against drug abuse led by Middlewich High School in 1996. Around 80 sets of parents turned up to discuss the problem and ways of warning children about the dangers.

The town council is now hoping to organise a similar drive.

Mayor Clr Dave Sutton said: "This is too important to be ignored. It will spiral out of control unless something is done."