Liberal Democrats demand urgent action on Nitrous Oxide
Councillor Andrew Waller, Liberal Democrat councillor for Westfield Ward is calling for greater action on nitrous oxide use in public places and an information campaign following the discovery of a number of commercial sized canisters in recent weeks across the community.
Whilst Parliament has voted to make possession of laughing gas illegal from 8th November, there will still be sources for hospitals and catering, and regrettably catering canisters are the ones that area appearing on the streets having been discarded.
Councillor Andrew Waller said:
“The priority must be to get across to young people of the dangers of a gas like this, and the long-term damage it can do to their bodies, particularly nerve damage to their spine. In recent weeks, I have had reports from three volunteer litter pickers have found one on their routes, and one was found in a play area.
“Whilst there may be a crackdown on the legislation, there are too many potential sources of nitrous oxide available for young people that is clearly being marketed to them. There is a need for education of the dangers and legal enforcement on companies trying to make a profit from this supply.”