YOUNG people in Winsford and Middlewich have been warned about the threat of a new outbreak of heroin abuse.

David Cracknell, chairman of South Cheshire Drug Action Team, has alerted teenagers to the fact that dealers are deliberately targeting a younger 'clubbers' market that would once have rejected the drug with a 'junkie' image.

His warning follows publication of a report from the Home Office Police Research Group which highlights the dangers of the marketing of the highly addictive drug known as 'brown' or 'browns'.

Being sold in £5 and £10 wraps that can be smoked like cannabis, dealers are marketing it on the same level as 'dance drugs'.

Mr Cracknell, who is also Cheshire's director of education, said: "Although used far less frequently than cannabis or other recreational drugs, the growing threat of heroin is a reality for Cheshire.

"Now that dealers are cynically selling it on the same level as dance drugs in a cheaper form, the dangers are increasing.

"The Government has described this new development as reaching epidemic proportions. Highly addictive heroin now presents a particular threat to young people - young women as well as young men."

And he stressed: "It only needs a small number of young people addicted for the cost in personal and social damage to be enormous."

Schools in Winsford and Middlewich as well as youth workers and other front-line staff are to be alerted about the new danger.

And South Cheshire Drug Action Team is to tackle the problem together with police, health, social services, education and probation to plan a considered response.

"I would urge the public to be aware of the new danger from brown - whether smoked, chased or injected," continued the director.

"This is a major potential health and social risk to the area."

Mr Cracknell added: "I hope it will be a case of forewarned is forearmed."

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