Families in Keighley are uniting in the fight against Drugs. And they are asking others who may be connected with those using or dealing in drugs to join the cause.

Keighley Families Against Drugs (K-FAD) was set up in June after five young people died in drugs-related incidents within a period of eight weeks.

Now it is asking the public to show their support by attending a meeting in the Swire Smith Hall at Keighley College on Wednesday at 7.30pm.

A K-FAD spokesman - one of four members who have attended a Parents Against Drugs course - says: "We are all families of drug users and we feel there is a need for people to meet and talk about their problems away from the family home. We are there for each other with help, support and understanding, all with strict confidentiality, either on a one-to-one basis or as a group discussion."

K-FAD now feels there is an overwhelming need for an action group. They want communities to join forces and help stamp out the rising drug problem in Keighley.

The group will tell Wednesday's meeting that it would like to set up a 24-hour helpline, a detoxification centre, a halfway house and a countryside treatment centre.

Keighley MP Ann Cryer is to attend. The police and members of the town's Drug and Alcohol Reference Group (DARG) have also been invited. Letters have also gone out to the town's doctors and chemists.

"We have invited people from across the board and we are hoping as many turn up as possible," added the spokesman.

Inspector Mick Hopwood, of Keighley police, said the force welcomed any initiatives to tackle the drugs problem and confirmed they would be attending Wednesday's meeting.

"We are supportive of any ideas that raise awareness, profile, and the danger of drugs. Through the police and members of DARG we will be looking to meet with K-FAD."

He added that tackling drugs was a matter for the whole community and he would welcome people getting involved.

K-FAD meets every Monday at the Woman's Centre, 182 Skipton Road, Keighley, from 7.30-9.30pm. It can be contacted on (01535) 633551/667510/215711.

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