THE convenor of social work and social care says Inverclyde is working hard to turn the tide on the high rates of alcohol-related deaths.

Councillor Francesca Brennan reacted after the death toll for last year was revealed to be 28, meaning the district has the highest death rate in the country over the last five years.

She said: "While there is a lot of good work on the go by the council and health and social care services through the Inverclyde Alcohol and Drug Partnership (ADP), we know more can and must be done.

“It will take time to turn the tide on this national epidemic but rest assured we are working hard with various initiatives to reduce the number of alcohol-related deaths in our community."

The latest figures follow statistics showing drug deaths rose to 29 in Inverclyde last yer.

Councillor Brennan added:  “Behind every death is a person and their family and friends who are all sadly affected by their loss.

"To anyone out there who is struggling with alcohol or drug dependency, or anyone who knows someone who is struggling, there are services out there willing and able to help so please seek support as soon as possible, with more information on the Inverclyde ADP website.”