DRIVERS have been urged to seek legitimate help for their problems rather than using drugs and alcohol.

The call, from Buckley Councillor Arnold Woolley, comes after Freedom of Information data obtained by the Leader revealed the number of drink and drive offences dealt with by police in recent years.

According to the data, from the beginning of 2017 up until mid-April this year, there were 780 drink drive offences and 719 drug drive offences recorded in Flintshire.

Over that same time period, there were 874 drink drive offences recorded in Wrexham, as well as 655 drug drive offences.

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Cllr Woolley, coordinator for the Buckley Community Speedwatch Team, is a former Police Senior Superintendent, Force Training Commander and traffic specialist.

Reflecting on the figures, he said: "Wearing my ex-police officer's hat, I have sadly picked up too many dead bodies which arise from a mix of drink and speed.

The Leader: Cllr Woolley undertaking speedwatch activitiesCllr Woolley undertaking speedwatch activities

"Alcohol confuses the mind. Drugs do the same thing.

"Any driver wishes to know that the driver alongside or ahead of them is nothing other than a sober, sensible person as they are in charge of a lethal machine.

"Everyone knows too much alcohol will ruin your liver. Narcotics ruin your health in the long run and these people who believe a quick hit is fun and enjoyable are risking their future lives.

"People need to think responsibly about their own lives, and the lives of their family that they leave behind if they get killed.

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"For anyone who is of a mindset that they are troubled, worried, under pressure - there are organisations, charities and consultations with your doctor which will get you on the road to recovery.

"Narcotics and drink ruin lives and they of course lead to financial stresses and strains, which lead to crimes in the community to feed habits."