Drug-related deaths in Bucks are on the rise – however the county council has insisted it takes the issue “very seriously".

Figures released by the Office of National Statistics (ONS) show there were 70 deaths related to drug-poisoning in Bucks from 2015 to 2017, compared with 45 from 2001 to 2003.

A total of 30 of the deaths over the last three years happened in Wycombe, while 23 took place in Aylesbury Vale, seven in Chiltern and 10 in South Bucks.

Wycombe saw the biggest increase from 2012 and 2014 - with18 deaths were recorded during three year period.

Drugs misuse was found to be the “underlying cause” of 36 of the deaths during the timeframe – meaning an illegal substance was used.

Bucks County Council (BCC) said the figures “remain small” and the level of change is not “statistically significant”, however said actions are taken to identify issues and patterns relating to local deaths.

Cabinet member for community engagement and public health at BCC, Noel Brown, said: “Deaths related to drug use are often extremely complex, and are a challenging and distressing issue.

“We offer a range of substance misuse services in Buckinghamshire and work closely with these and partners to encourage users into treatment.

“One of the most important ways to prevent drug related deaths is via a medication called Naloxone, which reverses the effect of an overdose.

“We have a new adult substance misuse service called One Recovery Bucks (ORB) which operates in Aylesbury, Wycombe, Chesham, Burnham and Buckingham.

“This service offers support, advice and treatment for people aged over 18 who have substance misuse issues and/or who are affected by someone else’s substance misuse.

“Most importantly, ORB offers Naloxone to all high risk opiate users. It trains their friends, family, and professionals.”

To find out more about One Recovery Bucks visit https://onerecoverybucks.org