An action plan has been drawn up to tackle high levels of drink-related crime, health problems and road accidents in South Gloucestershire.

The district has seen the consumption of drink go up over the past 10 years – a situation mirrored around the country.

But Department of Health figures for 2007 showed South Gloucestershire had seen several worrying trends.

One was a dramatic increase in the number of reported deaths from chronic liver disease in the last decade. Nationally they had doubled but in South Gloucestershire they had risen nearly three-fold, with the increase more marked among men.

Some alcohol-linked disorder and violent crime was also significantly higher than average.

Steve Evans, South Gloucestershire Council's director of community services, said: "Although the overall crime rate in the district can be compared favourably to national averages, we are under-performing in relation to alcohol-related crime and health indicators, which includes more alcohol-related admissions to hospital.

"The majority of alcohol-related crime occurs in our town centres, such as Kingswood, Staple HIll and Chipping Sodbury.

"We have also significantly more than the national average of road accidents that involve illegal levels of alcohol and drivers who fail a breath test following an accident.

"South Gloucestershire also has a higher number of pupil exclusions that are drug or alcohol-related than the national average."

The South Gloucestershire Alcohol Harm Reduction Strategy features five priorities to tackle and reduce drink-related crime and disorder, protect youngsters from drink-related harm and improve treatment and care for those with drink problems.

It also aims to promote safe and sensible drinking and ensure those selling drink in pubs, clubs and shops act responsibly.