BOLTON'S fight against drug-related crime is set to get a cash boost worth thousands of pounds.

The town has been allocated £812,093 because it is one of 30 places in the country most badly affected by the misery of drug related crime.

Almost £200 million is to be divided between the 30 areas to be used to expand drug treatment, drug testing, to develop a new aftercare system for those leaving prison and expansion of Drug Testing and Treatment Orders (DTTOs).

The announcement by Home Secretary David Blunkett, will see £352,000 spent in Bolton in a Basic Command Fund for local police commanders to tackle the problems that matter most in the community. Drug Action Teams across the country are to receive £94 million, with £459,150 allocated for Bolton's team.

Donald Gayle, from the Step by Step project, a drugs misuse service, based at White Lion Brow, Bolton, said: "Bolton seems to be tackling drug misuse in a positive way now. I think this is an excellent announcement for the town."

The Home Office said the areas were chosen on the basis that they had the highest levels of burglary, theft and shop lifting in the country -- crimes closely linked with drug abuse.

Initiatives will include "pre arrest" programmes to target persistent drug users before they commit crimes and drug testing facilities in police suites.