A BOLTON councillor has attacked the "quick fix" arrogance of youth which demands instant happiness as a basic human right.

Tory Cllr John Hanscomb, who has criticised the modern-day culture of "drug misuse" on previous occasions, has challenged the attitude among the young that they are "entitled" to happiness in whatever form.

"There is this feeling abroad that they are entitled to happiness throughout their lives but we all know life simply is not like that," said Cllr Hanscomb at a meeting of the health service sub-committee.

"At the heart of the terrible drug problem afflicting this town is this belief, and in my view tackling this attitude is what we ought to be concentrating on."

Cllr Hanscomb's comments were made during a discussion of the "Tackling Drugs Together Action Plan" a multi-agency approach to drug taking which, as revealed by the BEN, cost Bolton a staggering £6.8m last year. Mike Chapman, chairman of Bolton Community Health Council and headteacher at Brandwood County Primary School, said: "Looking at the formation of the Drugs Action Team support group it seems there is a shortage of people on this body who actually work at ground level.

"I see no evidence of a health visitor or teacher representative who faces the problems and the effects drugs have on young lives and the lives of their families."

The Director of Social Services, Mr Steve Gallagher, told the meeting there were people on the group who work directly with addicts and those closely associated with the drug taking culture.

"It's not about us sitting round solving the problem but talking to the people in the communities where there are particular problems," said Mr Gallagher.

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