Nitrous oxide cannisters found in Downley Common, Wycombe

MEMBERS of the public have raised concerns over the potentially serious risks associated with using nitrous oxide.

It comes after numerous Fastgas canisters were found in a park in Downley Common on the morning of Monday, July 24.

Margaret Crotty contacted the Free Press about the issue.

She said: "I am becoming increasingly concerned by the number of Fastgas canisters I see littering our roadsides, parks and countryside!

"Also one sees the cardboard boxes they have delivered in, the plastic nozzles and burst balloons!

"I believe people are using the gas to get 'high'! The canisters are marked 'not for medical use'

"There is a serious health concern here along with the littering problem."

High Wycombe MP Steve Baker also shared his concerns about the canisters.

In a letter seen by the newspaper, he wrote: " This is an issue I have been interested in for some time. In 2020, I was pleased to intervene in an Adjournment debate on the Misuse of Nitrous Oxide to bring to the Government's attention the piles of canisters that often appear on the roadside in Wycombe.

"Both the police and the public have repeatedly reported links between the use of the drug and nuisance or anti-social behaviour, about which the Prime Minister expressed concerns earlier this year. While there are legitimate uses for nitrous oxide, such as in medicine, dentistry and as a propellant for whipped cream canisters, the drug is now the third most used recreational drug among 16 to 24-year-olds in England.

"As part of the Government's new zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour, the sale of nitrous oxide will be banned.

"The Prime Minister announced on the 27th of March that the government will make nitrous oxide a Class C drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971."

Bucks Council said they are not aware nitrous oxide is being used in Downley Common.

Arif Hussain, Buckinghamshire Council's Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “While we have not received any complaints of anti-social behaviour in Downley Common relating to the use of nitrous oxide, we are aware that the use of these canisters is a significant issue both locally and nationally.

"If residents are concerned, they should report incidents to Thames Valley Police on 101.

"Within Buckinghamshire, we are working alongside the police, schools and other partners to educate and raise awareness of the serious health harms caused by nitrous oxide. These harms include potential neurological damage along with community issues, such as drug driving incidents and the littering of discarded canisters.

"If you come across discarded nitrous oxide canisters in the county, please report this to us immediately. You can do this quickly and easily via our website, and this will enable us to remove the items as soon as possible."

We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.

Please report any comments that break our rules.

Last Updated:

Are you sure you want to delete this comment?