THOUSANDS of drug users in the borough should consider the consequences of their actions, a councillor has warned.

The message comes from Martin Terry, Southend’s councillor for public safety, after a report has revealed there are 9,000 recreational drug users in Southend.

The shocking figure has been published as part of the annual public health report which is due to be presented to Southend Council’s cabinet members next week.

Krishna Ramkhelawon, Southend Council’s interim director of public health, said statistics suggests there are 9,000 recreational drug users in the borough.

He added: “What is fuelling county lines is a local drug-taking culture in Southend.

“Locally this equates to around 2,100 children who have reported ever taking a drug.”

The report went on to state that as a result of the recreational use, children are being exploited by county lines drug gangs to move the drugs and money.

Martin Terry, councillor for community safety, said people who take drugs recreationally should think about the consequences of their actions.

The independent councillor added: “They should consider the sheer volume of criminality linked to taking drugs which impacts the borough as a whole.

“If they want to give money to the people who are exploiting our young people and bringing violence to our streets then they need to think again.

“Ask yourself do you need to indulge in Class A drugs to have a good time?

“Is it worth the significant ramifications which are inflicted on the community as a result?

“Seek alternative ways to enjoy yourself which does not cause serious levels of criminality.”

Last year, the council ran a Christmas themed campaign during December 2018.

It was aimed at recreational drug users, designed to make them consider the potential harm their casual drug use could cause.

The ‘Merry Muletide: Just a bit of festive fun?’ campaign was viewed more than 191,000 times with 640 visits to the dedicated web page.