I WRITE concerning your recent campaign highlighting drug use in Barry. I am currently studying for a degree in Sociology at Glamorgan University and during the summer carried out research into heroin addiction in Barry. I chose this topic, having witnessed the devastating impact heroin has had on some of my friends and their families.

In response to the 'Bewildered Parent' who wrote in last week (Barry & District News, February 12), whilst I understand the seriousness of your situation, the drug problem has to be put into perspective.

Police and drug agencies agree that cannabis is a relatively benign drug and many young people try it and go on to live normal, fulfilled lives. The same, unfortunately, cannot be said of heroin, which is a highly addictive substance - almost impossible to give up. Over a few years the cost of heroin has dropped and its availability has increased. Although I would not wish to alarm people, the scale of the problem is far greater than people realise. During my research, I met over forty heroin addicts in Barry - and to that must be added more than twenty I already knew.

The police and drug agencies are trying to cope with the problem with limited resources and it seems obvious that funding and policy must be the responsibility of the Government. Barry is not alone in desperately needing educational programmes, withdrawal facilities and counselling for its young people.

Jane Simpson Glyndwr Road Barry