The number of men in Dartford dying as a result of drinking alcohol has risen, according to latest figures.

Data released by Public Health England (PHE) shows an increase in 2012 from 2011. However, the figure was not as high as it was in 2010.

For women in Dartford there was better news, with the number of alcohol-related deaths falling, and in Gravesham the figures decreased for both sexes.

The number of deaths among men in Dartford in 2012 due to alcohol per 100,000 of the population was less than 60, but up from 50 per 100,000 in 2011.

The statistics for women - approximately 22 per 100,000 population, represents a significant drop from just under 30 per 100,000 in 2011.

The mortality rate due to alcohol among men in Gravesham in 2012 was less than 60 per 100,000. This compares favourably to the figure in 2011 which was just over 70 per 100,000.

The statistics for women show a rate of less than 25 per 100,000 in 2012, down from 30 the previous year.

The figures from Local Alcohol Profiles for England (LAPE) come two months after Gravesham became one of 20 areas across England and Wales set up as Local Alcohol Action Areas (LAAAs), to combat drink-fuelled crime and disorder and the damage caused to health.

Each action area receives support and expertise from the Home Office, the Department of Health, the Welsh Government, Public Health England and Public Health Wales.

The initiative will run until March next year, followed by a review.

Gravesham council leader John Burden said at the time: “While alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in Gravesham may not be as great as seen in some of the country’s major city centres, their negative impact on a relatively small town centre is considerable and of concern to everyone.

“Alcohol misuse is clearly a contributory factor in violent crime, including domestic abuse.

“The fear of crime discourages people from visiting the town, and puts a strain on services, particularly the police. It has a bad effect on trade and responsible publicans and retailers.

“We hope by attracting Home Office support we will be able to address the problem and begin to solve it.”

Other areas of Kent which saw a rise in alcohol-related deaths were Medway, Sevenoaks and Swale.

The numbers also revealed a sharp increase in the number of women in Canterbury dying as a result of alcohol.

However, nationally the overall number of people dying as a result of drinking dropped by more than one-and-a-half per cent in that time.

The full charts and data can be viewed at www.lape.org.uk