I WRITE as a parent of a young ex-drug addict in support of Dr Mather (Your Letters, June 27) concerning the opening of a needle exchange service for hard drug users in Malvern and an advice/support centre for them and their families.

Although the actual siting of the proposed centre, right in the town centre and so close to private accommodation, may not have been appropriate, we should all recognise that the problem of heroin dealing and use in Malvern is not new; but has been a large problem for at least the last ten years.

Eight years ago the local police told us that for every dealer they arrested in Malvern, five more would step forward to take their place. I presume that the situation is as bad now. We should recognise that young heroin users start out as victims (foolish ones perhaps) but that they can soon end up as criminals themselves.

Heroin and other hard drug use has devastating results on the lives of the user, their families and the wider community in terms of crime rates and the cost of trying to rehabilitate the user; and it usually goes on for years.

The support services, with one assessment centre and one doctor in one treatment unit in Worcester, was badly stretched eight years ago. If, as we were, you are presently desperate for advice, support and treatment, I can assure you that to have these facilities close at hand would be of enormous help.

Malvern should not turn its back on this problem again - it will not go away!

NAME AND ADDRESS SUPPLIED.