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Shocking binge drinking statistics for Walsall

More than 43,000 people in Walsall are classed as binge drinkers, with alcohol involved in 25 per cent of all violent crime, shocking new figures have revealed.

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Over 200 young people aged from 10 to 19 have also had treatment for booze-related problems within three years.

Health chiefs are now drawing up an action plan to help deal with the issue amid concerns for the long-term effects of excessive boozing.

A council working group has been set up through the health and well-being board due to fears of the growing strain on health services.

Councillor Ian Robertson, chairman of the board, said: "The big concerns are of those young people who are damaging themselves seriously and putting themselves at risk.

"They need to be aware of what they are doing to themselves. In the long-term their bodies are going to be seriously damaged and in line for a liver transport. There is also an increase in those older, 40 to 50 years old who are drinking at home. They are not realising how much they are consuming. In a pub they do have measures."

Councillor Pete Smith said it was important to highlight the impact of taking things to excess be it alcohol, food or drugs.

He said: "It is of concern and does have a knock-on effect on health budgets, but at the same time you can't prohibit the stuff.

"It is a question of choice. We have just got to keep on with the education so people are fully aware of the consequences."

The latest figures estimated there are 43,088 binge drinkers in the borough out of a population of 269,300.

In a three-year period, there were 215 young people in treatment whose primary substance was alcohol.

Between April and November last year, alcohol was involved in 25 per cent of crime with injuries, an average of 21 a month.

A report from Adrian Roche, head of social inclusion, added: "The sensible and safe use of alcohol plays an important cultural and social role within our society. However the problematic use can have significant negative impact for individuals, their families and their communities if left unchallenged."

"An alcohol action plan is being developed based on the themed areas identified by the working group to address the harms caused by alcohol misuse."

The definition of binge drinking by the NHS and National Office of Statistics is drinking more than double the low risk guidelines for alcohol in one session.

It equates to men regularly drinking more than eight units of alcohol, or about three pints of strong beer, and women six units, or about two large glasses of wine.

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