INVERCLYDE'S MP called for more funding and support to tackle the area's growing drug crisis during Covid-19.

Ronnie Cowan has been a leading figure in Westminster pushing for safe consumption rooms and medical cannabis.

He spoke out after the Tele reported last week how the number of drug deathsin the district had risen markedly during lockdown, almost doubling to 19 suspected cases.

The local MP says many services have been disrupted during the pandemic and that they must get back on track quickly to address the public health problem.

Mr Cowan, who is vice-chair of the all-party parliamentary groups on drug policy reform and medical cannabis under prescription, said: "It is widely understood that the most vulnerable in society will have been put under additional pressure during the Covid19 pandemic.

"Problematic drug users fall into that category.

"There have been disruptions in supply and restrictions to counselling and support.

"Local groups who previously provided a personal service either through their own clinical training or lived experience have been constrained in the service they could provide because of the difficulties associated with physical distancing.

"A very difficult medical situation has been further complicated by the pandemic.

"I would hope that as we in Scotland have declared problematic drug use a health issue that due consideration will be given to funding and supporting organisations through this difficult time."

Inverclyde health and social care partnership launched a shake-up of services last year as they aim to bring both alcohol and drug teams together under one roof at the Wellpark Centre in Greenock.

But a full review of the service has been delayed because of Covid-19.

The virus outbreak has also stalled plans to tender for a family support recovery service.

MP Mr Cowan said: "Ongoing plans to improve local services will have been disrupted as people adjusted to working from home, but hopefully the necessary adjustments have been made and we can continue to improve the offering."

Inverclyde Council confirmed that support is continuing where possible.

A spokesman said: "Like all organisations and individuals, we had to adapt to the pandemic almost overnight and implement different ways to continue providing services during very challenging circumstances, particularly the stay at home rules and necessity to stay away from those outwith your own household.

"However, services never stopped during lockdown and staff did adapt and adopt new ways of interacting with people and providing support, as well as maintaining support in-person safely where necessary."