A WORRIED councillor has said the use of deadly “hippy crack” is no laughing matter after finding discarded nitrous oxide cannisters littering the floor of a children’s play park.
Dave Harris, Colchester councillor for Berechurch, has called for extra police patrols around the play park, in Finchingfield Way.
He said small metallic cannisters were found strewn across the ground near benches.
The cannisters are known to contain nitrous oxide, commonly referred to as laughing gas.
Mr Harris said: “Nitrous oxide has various legitimate uses from dentistry to the food industry, but it's unlikely the ones seen scattered on the ground have been used for that.
“The drug is known by several other names, including whippits, hippy crack, chargers and is often referred to as ‘doing balloons’.”
Branding the inhaling of nitrous oxide “extremely dangerous”, Mr Harris said he had responded to reports from neighbours about the use of the drug.
“It can even prove fatal,” he said.
“The anti-social behaviour associated with those inhaling it has a negative impact on those living and working in my estates.
“When inhaled, the gas can make people feel euphoric and relaxed, according to leading drug advice.
“The happy feeling some feel led the drug to be nicknamed laughing gas. It is, though, very dangerous.”
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Mr Harris said he and fellow ward councillors Chris Pearson and Martyn Warnes are planning future litter picks to “scour the area”.
He said: “Amongst the litter was broken bottles, not good for a grassed area around a play area, where children and family dogs are walked.
“It seems to be a very few people abusing our public open space and I appeal to parents to watch out for the signs of substance abuse of nitrous oxide.
“It can slow heart rates, affect adversely the oxygen to the brain, and make people ill.”
In September 2020, an inquest heard the death of 18-year-old Wivenhoe student Rory Wai may have been linked to the use of nitrous oxide.
Speaking after an inquest into his death, Rory’s mum Sally said: “Rory’s death has devastated us.
“We hope it might act as a deterrent to young people who might think twice about taking drugs or experimenting with laughing gas.
“People think laughing gas is OK but it’s really not.”
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