A NEW course has been launched to help people tackle drug problems in their neighbourhood.

Residents will be able to find out what different drugs look like and how they affect the area where they live.

Organisers hope people will learn enough to help them solve issues caused by drug use in their community.

The six-week course is free and available to residents of the southern parishes of Eastleigh and anyone connected with the area.

The initiative is the brainchild of Matthew Hayman, Communities Against Drugs worker for Eastleigh and Test Valley South Primary Care Trust.

It is being run in conjunction with Eastleigh Healthy Living Network and Parent Support Link.

Mr Hayman said: "The idea behind the course is to get local people to understand more about substance misuse and how it is affecting the area where they live."

"The course will then help to develop ways of tackling the drug issues that they have identified in their communities."

Eastleigh Council will be providing a free creche at each session and residents will receive a recognised certificate through the Open College network.

The first session will take place at Pilands Wood Community Centre, Bursledon, on Tuesday, November 4, at 9.30am.

To reserve a place or for further information contact 023 8033 3566 and quote "Drugs in the community - Pilands course".