THE former leader of St Helens Council has called on the local authority to do more to raise awareness of the dangers of laughing gas.

Nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas, is a psychoactive drug that carries up to seven years in prison for the supply and production.

The gas is stored in a canister, which is usually transferred to a balloon before being inhaled.

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Recreational use of the drug, which is popular among 16 to 24-year-olds, has been on the rise in the UK for a number of years.

A recent report by The Royal College of Nursing UK (RCN) states that nitrous oxide is now the second most popular drug with this age group, after cannabis.

Use of the drug has been a particular concern in Rainhill, with Cllr Donna Greaves from The Independents raising awareness of the issue.

St Helens Borough Council also launched its ‘N2Othing to Laugh About’ campaign in the summer to raise awareness of the dangers of using the drug.

Labour Rainhill councillor Barrie Grunewald has brought the issue to the forefront once again.

A motion from Cllr Grunewald that is set to go before full council next week says nitrous oxide is an “an ever-increasing issue” in St Helens.

“This council recognises the serious dangers posed by Nitrous Oxide, (laughing gas) which affects the lives of people in the UK every year,” the motion says.

“Nitrous oxide is also known as hippy crack – it is an ever-increasing issue on the streets across the borough.

“As well as the risk of harm to the health of people using this substance, residents report a growing issue of litter from the cannisters left behind in our parks and open spaces.

“Over the summer this year, the Nothing to Laugh About campaign highlighted this issue – providing parents and carers with advice, highlighting the risks to young people and informing residents of how to report cannisters if they are found.

“While this was a positive step forward, there is a need to continue to do more.”

St Helens Star: St Helens Borough Council also launched its ‘N2Othing to Laugh About’ campaign in the summer St Helens Borough Council also launched its ‘N2Othing to Laugh About’ campaign in the summer

Cllr Grunewald says education must be “at the heart” of the council’s response.

His motion, therefore, calls for the council to develop further public awareness campaigns for young people warning of the dangers of nitrous oxide.

In addition, it also seeks to include the issue of nitrous oxide within the future consultation on Public Space Protection Orders, to understand the views of residents on this issue.

The motion will be debated at the full meeting of St Helens Borough Council on Wednesday, November 4, at 6.15pm.