Pubdate: Thu, 18 Jan 2001
Source: Oldham Evening Chronicle (UK)
Copyright: Oldham Evening Chronicle 2001
Contact:  P. O. Box 47, Oldham, Lancashire, England  OL1 1EQ
Fax: 0161-652 2111
Website: http://www.oldham-chronicle.co.uk/

MINI-TSARS TO BE RECRUITED FOR DRUG WAR

Drugs tsar Keith Hellawell was today unveiling a plan to create hundreds of 
mini-tsars around the country.

Every local authority will have to appoint its own anti-drugs co-ordinator 
from April.

The new chiefs, who must be elected councillors, will head drug-action 
teams responsible for fighting the problem in their areas.

The mini-tsar plan came as part of the Government's bid to let local 
authorities take the lead in looking after social welfare.

Until now, campaigns against drugs at a local level have been run by a 
mixture of police, health and educational authorities, and other agencies.

The new teams, headed by a council member with the anti-drugs portfolio, 
will be just one step down the ladder from Mr Hellawell.

"I am convinced that a willingness to work together at national and local 
level will help to create a safer society," he said.
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