alcohol related deaths in Suffolk has soared by nearly 50 per cent in the space of just four years

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new figures show the number of alcohol related deaths in Suffolk has soared by nearly 50 per cent in the space of just four years.The figures, from the Office for National Statistics, show that in 2002 there were 48 alcohol related deaths in Suffolk - but this increased by 45.8pc to 70 in 2006.The increase is more than twice the regional average.Deaths across the East of England increased by 21.9pc in the same period from 456 alcohol related deaths in 2002 to 556 in 2006.The statistics came to light following a parliamentary question from Richard Spring MP.Mr Spring, Conservative MP for West Suffolk, has called on government to take action to stem the problem.He said: “The tragic cost of excessive drinking is putting a huge burden on our NHS.“It is causing massive additional pressure on our local hospitals and emergency services.“The government needs to stop thinking in the short term, make public health a priority and produce some serious solutions to tackle this growing problem.”The new data coincides with figures published last month showing 157 people were admitted to Ipswich Hospital for alcoholic liver disease in 2005/06 compared with 102 in 2001/02 - a rise of 53.9pc.

Meanwhile 98 people were admitted for cirrhosis of the liver in 2005/06 compared with 63 in 2001/02 - a rise of 55.6pc.