Council leader welcomes ban of use of nitrous oxide which has been a blight on the borough
A BAN on rercreational use of nitrous oxide, also known as 'laughing gas', which has come into force this week has been welcomed by the leader of Thurrock Council.
The authority has been at the forefront of campaigning to raise awareness of dangers caused by use of the gas – which is particularly popular among young people who congregate in parks and public spaces to use it – often leaving hundreds of the cannisters behind.
Cllr Jefferies' predecessor as leader, Cllr Rob Gledhill was a particularly strong advocate of challenging young people and cracking down on the use of the gas – which was not then illegal.
However, that has now changed. Under the new law, anyone caught possessing nitrous oxide with the intention of inhaling it for a psychoactive effect could face an unlimited fine, a community punishment, a caution or a prison sentence of up to two years.
Dealers of the drug could face up to 14 years in prison.
In the past the council has worked with police and other agencies to raise awareness and a statement issued in the wake of the new law by the authority says: ""The council has issued 14 CPWs (Community Protection Warnings) for the misuse of nitrous oxide and continue to work with Essex Police to identify the best way to deal with instances where our Environmental Enforcement Officers witness the illegal misuse/possession of nitrous oxide."
At this week's cabinet meeting Cllr Jefferies said: "I was delighted that the government has outlawed, or made them illegal, the gas cannisters.
"I know that Thurrock can sometimes be blighted by these things, particularly in areas like Blackshots car park that can become a blanket, a carpet, of these cannisters so I am really pleased that they have now outlawed them and that means that hopefully this will stop people for using them and young lives won't be wasted to these horrible cannisters.
More about nitrous oxide
Nitrous oxide is inhaled.
People open the canister, transfer the gas into a container (usually a balloon), then inhale from the balloon.
Nitrous oxide slows down your brain and your body's responses, and the effects of the drug varies depending on how much has been inhaled.
Taking nitrous oxide can cause:
Feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness
Fits of giggles and laughter – hence the nickname 'laughing gas'
Aound distortions and hallucinations – when you see or hear things that aren't there
Nitrous oxide can also:
Give you a severe headache
Cause dizziness
Stop you thinking straight
Cause short-lived but intense feelings of paranoia Inhaling nitrous oxide directly from the canister is very dangerous because the gas is under such high pressure. It can cause a spasm of the throat muscle and stop a person breathing.
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