A GOVERNMENT review of the harms of laughing gas has stopped short of recommending a total ban on the substance that has plagued Southend seafront. 

Laughing gas cannisters have become a common sight on the seafront and in parks and open spaces across south Essex, sparking a campaign from Anna Firth, MP for Southend West, for a crackdown. 

In an updated assessment published yesterday, the independent Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs  said the substance “should not be subjected to control under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971”.

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It concluded that such control could create “significant burdens” for legitimate uses of the substance.

However, other recommendations include considering providing additional powers for police to confiscate canisters or paraphernalia.

In response to the report, Ms Firth said: “What is really important is that the results from the review have proved that additional measures are necessary to curb the impact of nitrous oxide, which caused so much trouble on our seafront last summer.

“I back the recommendations for harsher restrictions, including taking down websites peddling nitrous oxide for recreational use, and improved public education, especially for young people.”

The advisory council has suggested pursuing “universal prevention activity” focused on nitrous oxide  such as education resources for young people and schools, a national campaign and information made available in settings where use is more common, such as festivals.

Rochford councillor Julie Gooding, who runs Rochford District Litter Pick Group, is finding the laughing gas cannisters on a weekly basis. She said: “Currently we are finding these nitrous oxide canisters on a regular basis. 

“The cost to the council to have them safely removed and disposed is expensive as they are required to be separated and treated as hazardous materials. “