THE council has issued a warning over nitrous oxide canisters being dumped in parks across the borough.

Following sightings of the canisters, which often contain 'laughing gas' which can cause people fall unconscious, there are concerns groups of people are using these in parks while also putting their health at risk by not adhering to social distancing guidelines.

Councillor Jeanie Bell, Cabinet Member for Safer Communities, said: “It is a concern to see more of these kinds of canisters being left in our parks.

"Our green spaces are havens for many people during the current situation as a place to get away from home, to take exercise and enjoy the sunshine sensibly.

"The people who are leaving these canisters in the parks are being careless - it is completely unacceptable to expect other people to clean up waste.

"Unfortunately many of these canisters have been found in a large amount in one location which could also indicate that people are not adhering to the social distancing guidelines during the ongoing pandemic.

"We need to respect our local open spaces and act sensibly and safely in our parks”