There have been 25 drug deaths recorded in North Ayrshire since the beginning of 2020 after 54 tragedies last year.

Latest figures were revealed as health chiefs consider actions taken since North Ayrshire’s Drug death summit and its declaration on an emergency in the area last year.

There were 12 deaths recorded between January and March ahead of lockdown, with another 12 tragedies from April to June as COVID-19 restrictions kicked in across the country.

There is only one death listed for the July to September period.

Health chiefs say the figures have reduced so far from figures for the whole of last year but recognise COVID-19 and potential lack of availability may be a factor.

Further actions taken by health chiefs Alcohol and Drug Partnership are to be considered this week [Thursday].

Last year, councillors passed a motion declaring a drugs death emergency, with Scotland the highest in Europe and North Ayrshire above the national average

Irvine West Labour Cllr Louise McPhater said: “Drug addiction is something that is all too familiar with myself as my sister died in 2011 through drug addiction.

“This issue affects every postcode. Nobody is exempt, no family, no community.

“We are seeing the people in our communities that need our help first-hand and it is not only drug addiction but mental health issues too, and it just continues and continues.

“We need to stop this and make amends to try and address this because there is great work going on out there, but we need to look at this in a different way.”

“Let’s get this work done and make the change now.”