Casualty departments in Shropshire are being swamped by drunken revellers – and the problem is getting worse, new figures revealed today.

Accident and emergency units across the county are dealing with more and more people who are being admitted drunk or injured after a night out on the town, or suffering from a long-term illness or ill mental health as a result of drink abuse.

The official data released by the Department of Health showed there were 1,211 in 2005/06 – a rise of 11 per cent from 1,090 the previous year.

Shropshire County Primary Care Trust recorded a 16 per cent rise from 553 to 643, while Telford and Wrekin PCT saw numbers increase from 537 to 568.Figures for England show a 17 per cent increase from 127,143 admissions to 148,477 – raising questions about the Government’s strategy to extend licensing hours to encourage controlled drinking.

Daniel Kawczynski, Tory MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham said it was evident 24-hour drinking was to blame and called for a review of the new relaxed licensing laws if the trend continued.

He said: “I am convinced the extension of hours has played a part in this increase. Obviously, this is a very serious situation and the Government needs to address it and provide more resources for organisations – particularly voluntary organisations – which are trying to help people with alcohol-related problems.

“I think if this trend continues, then they will have to review the laws,” he added.

Nobody from Shrewsbury and Telford Hospitals NHS Trust was available to make a comment today.