THE Government has given a £278,000 boost to the fight against drugs in Sunderland.

The money is going to the Sunderland Community Safety Partnership as part of the Government's Communities Against Drugs initiative, and is the first part of a three-year funding programme.

The partnership is putting together a package of measures to support the prevention and detection of offences, divert users away from drugs and promote the message that drugs and drug dealing will not be tolerated.

The partnership is made of Sunderland City Council, Northumbria Police, Drugs Action Team, Probation Service and Youth Offending Service.

It has already got a track record for attracting funding for projects such as CCTV and initiatives to curb house burglary, and is now working on a detailed action plan on drugs. The city already has a scheme to help offenders beat their drug addiction.

Sunderland council leader Colin Anderson, chairman of the partnership, said: "This funding is welcome news for the area.

"Detailed plans are still being drawn up, but the money will be pumped into very worthwhile projects, such as supporting the police and working with local communities, parents and young people in an attempt to prevent and divert people of all ages away from the menace of drugs."

Mandy Taylor, coordinator of the Sunderland Drugs Action Team, said: "This is excellent news for the city and will help us to build on some of our existing work, as well as introduce new ideas.

"Sunderland has an excellent record in introducing successful projects, such as a referral scheme where offenders can be put in touch with expert help to aid them in beating addiction and involvement with drugs. The community safety partnership is determined to use this opportunity to make a major impact on this worrying problem.