INCREASING use of a legal high known as  ‘hippy crack’ in the Yate area has sparked calls for immediate action.

Worried residents have reported a dramatic rise in the number of gas canisters, associated with the use of nitrous oxide, found in and around Abbotswood Shopping Centre.
Luke Hall, prospective Conservative candidate for Thornbury and Yate, held a meeting with worried locals in Abbotswood last week.

He said: “As a local man, I find it extremely concerning to see this increase in recreational drug use and anti-social behaviour in Abbotswood.

“It seems to have been increasing in the past few weeks, possibly due to the better weather and light evenings. It started over the summer holidays and has carried on.”

Mr Hall said groups of up to 30 youths gathering in Abbotswood had been reported in recent weeks.

“I am raising this issue and asking the police to take action so residents can be assured they will continue to be safe in their own neighbourhood,” he said.

Canisters are used to inhale nitrous oxideCO2, or laughing gas, and have become popular at music festivals and in nightclubs with Prince Harry being spotted taking it two years ago.

The gas, which is technically legal, and has been found to be the second most popular recreational drug behind cannabis for people aged 16 to 24 among 16 to 24-year-olds. Hits cost around £1.50 and cause uncontrollable laughter and even hallucinations, but serious side effects include strokes, seizures, blackouts, incontinence, stress on the heart, chronic depression and, in cases of prolonged use, depleted bone marrow.

Mr Hall has written to Avon and Somerset’s police and crime commissioner and the acting chief constable, calling on them to increase the amount of police presence in the area.

Neighbourhood PC John Gillman said: “We are aware a number of nitrous oxide gas canisters have been found near the shopping centre.

“Obviously it’s a matter of concern, but it is not a problem that is specific to the Abbotswood area – nitrous oxide seems to be popular with young people generally. Our advice is, don’t do it – nitrous oxide can be dangerous and can lead to an increased risk of accidents and even death.

“We carry out regular patrols around the shopping centre, and we will continue to listen to, and act upon, people’s concerns about groups of young people gathering there.”

Earlier this year, organisers of the Glastonbury Festival banned nitrous oxide because of its health implications.

Nitrous oxide is nicknamed laughing gas as it makes users feel euphoric, but there is a risk of death as a lack of oxygen can occur when using it.

Legitimate uses of nitrous oxide include to numb pain during medical procedures, use in engines to increase their power output and in food packaging to prevent the food from rotting.