Hastings reeling under drink problem

The town's alcohol profile, compiled by the North West Public Health Observatory, reveals the impact alcohol is having here in 1066 Country.

In terms of alcohol related hospital admissions, Hastings is significantly worse than the national average across the board.

More than six people every day are treated for conditions either directly caused by or attributable to drinking, and that does not include people treated only in accident and emergency.

Hastings is the 24th worst place in the country for admission for alcohol-specific conditions in men, and 18th worst for women. Admission of under 18s is twice the national average.

Crimes committed under the influence of alcohol is much worse than national averages too, and Hastings has the 17th highest rate of alcohol attributable sex attacks in the UK.

Amber Rudd MP admitted there was an entrenched problem that needed long term solutions.

She said: "High unemployment, low educational standards and alcoholism all go together."

"We will start to improve the alcohol issues when we start to tackle the bigger issues that have a cumulative effect on people's lives and make them turn to drink."

John Reading, chief executive of the Action for Change alcohol charity, agreed that alcohol was linked to deep rooted social and cultural problems, but stressed there were practical steps which could help.

"There have been alcohol misuse problems in society for as long as there has been alcohol," he said.

"But if you make alcohol so easily available and so cheap in comparison with people's disposable income then that has a big impact."

Anyone who thinks they need to talk to someone about their drinking can call Action for Change on 0300 1112470.