Sexually-transmitted disease rates have soared in the Winchester area over the last year.

Between 2002/03, chlamydia infections rose by 24%, gonorrhoea by 32% and genital herpes by 6%, according to figures from the Mid-Hampshire Primary Care Trust.

They also show chlamydia, is the most common infection with the highest rates of infection seen in males aged 20 to 24, females aged 16 to 24 and homosexual men.

In the Winchester area, half of all patients at genito-urinary clinics were seen within 48 hours and 87% within two weeks, compared to the national average of 72%.

The figures were included in a letter to prospective parliamentary candidate, George Hollingbery, who is calling for more funds to treat and prevent the "massive rise in sexually-transmitted diseases".

Mr Hollingbery, a Tory city councillor, said the shorter waits for treatment locally showed the commitment of staff at clinics which have a yearly budget of £425,000.

"I've been shocked by the numbers of people, mainly in their teens and 20s, who have received treatment for sexually transmitted diseases in the Winchester area.

"But what is even more concerning is that 13% are not being seen within two weeks. The infection can be spread in that time, so more needs to be done by the Government to make sure local health authorities have the cash and resources to help.

"Increased effort is needed to stop these infections in the first place, with better education about safer sex, especially with HIV rates also rising. This really is a case of prevention being better than a cure."

Mr Hollingbery said he supported the PCT's concern about the rising rate of infections and their efforts to tackle the problem by modernising the service.

"I especially support their cash bid, along with Winchester and Eastleigh NHS Trust, which runs the RHCH, to redevelop and expand the outdated genito-urinary medicine clinic facilities. This really should be a priority."