A NEWLY formed drugs support group in the Forest of Dean claims a staggering 300 bags of heroin are sold in Cinderford every day.

They say the town has at least 80 heroin addicts and 10 or more dealers.

In a statement to the Review they add: "We have a big problem with drugs on our town and the surrounding towns and villages."

They say a boy aged only 14 has been seen paying a dealer.

"... Parents think it wouldn't happen to their child, but believe us, it could," they say.

But on the positive side the recently formed group has held another successful meeting and decided upon the role it can play to help combat the menace.

They will offer help to families, addicts and, eventually, dealers.

"Our aim is to listen and offer feedback support for anyone who is going through a heroin related problem due to a loved one being an addict. We are going to get trained up and educated on the problem of heroin abuse and we mean to empower ourselves to help our loved ones to quit heroin.

"We will learn how to detox and offer support at home. Once we have gained this knowledge we will pass it on to others who come to our meetings so that they can help their children to come off heroin and stay off it.

"And for addicts who do not have anyone to support them, we will offer surrogate supporters who will spend time with them and support them in their homes."

The group says it is determined to help as many young people as possible. They feel they need to tackle the problem on a large scale and say they recognise that as long as there is still one dealer left the town still has a problem.

"We need as many volunteers as there are addicts to cope. Some people say we are dreamers and that we will not succeed and we recognise that we will not succeed unless we get the support we need.

"If anyone reading this feels they can support our cause please write to DSG c/o The Review, or Lydney Youth and Community Centre, Naas Lane, Lydney."

The group has expressed disappointment that a drugs awareness evening to be held at Heywood School, Cinderford, had to be cancelled through lack of interest.

The group is urging other people to support them and as numbers are growing they are seeking a venue to hold their meetings.