CONCERNS that young people who abuse drugs and alcohol may not be getting the help they need, has fuelled a probe by Lancashire County Council.

A task group has been set up to look at facilities available to young drugtakers and teenage drinkers in the county.

The Young People who Abuse Drugs and Alcohol task group was set up in April in response to concerns expressed by county councillors.

The newly-formed external overview and scrutiny committee decided to set up the team of five councillors, headed by County Councillor Tony Jones, following concerns that there may be lack of adequate help for youngsters wishing to kick the habit.

Lancashire's Drug Action Team has been asked to give a presentation of drug and alcohol services currently available to local people at a public meeting being held at County Hall today.

The DAT is expected to reveal a series of government targets and their response to those targets, including ways in which Lancashire is already preventing and treating drug and alcohol abuse.

Coun Jones said: "The meeting will hear from the county's Drug Action Team, who will be able to help us establish the level of service currently being given.

"Drug and alcohol misuse is becoming a very prevalent problem in our society.

"We hear that there are various measures to help adults -- but what of our children?"

The task group is expected to take between six and nine months to reach a conclusion and will involve the NHS and police in their studies.

The external overview and scrutiny committee will make public their findings and recommendations.