According to latest figures obtained exclusively by the Guardian, more than 350 people were admitted to Chorley hospital last year for alcohol-related illnesses - up from just 228 a decade ago.

Now experts are warning that problems associated with alcohol abuse are set to even worse and they have launched a new initiative aimed at tackling the problems locally.

Lesley-Ann Fenton, Chorley Council's assistant chief executive for policy and performance, said: "Alcohol issues affect every organisation in the Chorley Partnership whether that's through an increase in admissions to hospitals or through alcohol-related crime.

"The money that the Chorley Partnership has invested in this area will fund a number of valuable initiatives over the next 12 months, which will focus on educating people about the dangers of excessive drinking and targeting those who illegally supply alcohol to under 18s.

"Alcohol-related crime in Chorley is very low compared to some other parts of the country but it's important we work in partnership to minimise the affects on Chorley's law-abiding residents."

Chorley has the second highest rate of alcohol-related harm in Lancashire and drink-related hospital admissions are almost 50 per cent higher than the national average.

The figures include hospital admissions for a specific alcohol-related conditions - such as liver disease. However, the biggest single factor results from binge drinking and booze fuelled fights in the town centre.

Even more worryingly, experts are bracing themselves for another 15 per cent rise in the number of alcohol related hospital admissions in the next three years.

A spokesman for Central Lancashire PCT said: "Reducing alcohol-related hospital admissions is a three-year Lancashire Local area agreement target that Central Lancashire PCT, and its partners, is currently working towards.

"In order to support this, Central Lancashire PCT is currently developing a multi-agency local alcohol harm reduction strategy and action plan that will inform and co-ordinate the delivery of alcohol harm reduction initiatives in Chorley.

"Central Lancashire PCT is part funding an alcohol campaign in Chorley that will be rolled out later this year. It focuses on reducing the provision of alcohol to young people by adults."