73 laughing gas canisters cleared from Stoke-on-Trent park entrance as community group warns: “These are our own local youths”
A total of 73 empty laughing gas canisters have been cleared from the entrance to a Stoke-on-Trent park, prompting a stark warning from community group Impact Stoke about local youths using the dangerous gas and leaving the canisters where children play.
Dozens of empty laughing gas canisters have been cleared from the entrance to a park in Stoke-on-Trent, with a local community group warning about the growing impact of nitrous oxide use on neighbourhoods.
A total of 73 gas canisters were found close to the park entrance, raising concerns after the discarded containers were left in an area used by local families and children.
The discovery has prompted calls for residents to report canisters when they are found so they can be removed safely.
An Impact Stoke spokesman said:
“We need to have an honest conversation about what's happening in our neighbourhood. Seventy-three gas bottles have been cleared from right by the park entrance.
“The hard truth we all need to realise is that nobody is driving in from outside our area to dump these.
“These are our own local youths inhaling this dangerous gas and leaving the canisters right where young children play.
“If you see bottles lying around, report them immediately so they can be removed safely.”
The sheer number of canisters found in one location has highlighted concerns about the use of nitrous oxide, commonly known as laughing gas, and the litter it can leave behind.
Nitrous oxide has been associated with recreational drug use and antisocial behaviour, and concerns have previously been raised about its potential effects on health.
For residents, however, the issue extends beyond the use of the substance itself.
Discarded canisters can be left on pavements, verges, open spaces and around children's play areas, creating an additional litter and community safety problem.
The discovery of 73 canisters at one park entrance is likely to fuel further discussion about how the city tackles nitrous oxide use, littering and the behaviour associated with it.
Impact Stoke is urging residents who come across discarded canisters not to handle them unnecessarily, but to report them so they can be dealt with appropriately.
The warning comes with a simple message: if these canisters are appearing around local parks and neighbourhoods, the problem cannot simply be blamed on people from elsewhere.
As the spokesman put it, the community needs to have an “honest conversation” about what is happening on its own doorstep.
