Councillors have welcomed news that nitrous oxide canisters (so called 'laughing gas') are to be banned, as part of a wider crackdown on anti social behaviour announced today.
The news follows ongoing issues arising from the use of the canisters, which can often be found discarded in parks, playgrounds and open spaces. One such area affected is The Dips in Wallasey.
Last week, former police officer and local councillor Lesley Rennie submitted a petition to the Mayor, calling for action to prevent unauthorised access and illegal encampments at the Dips.
Councillor Rennie said: "Perhaps the worst problems were seen in 2020 when, after lockdown, the area was left rubbish strewn, much of it the nitrous oxide canisters which are finally being banned."
Following those problems, councillors secured a new 'Public Space Protection Order' for the site which included a ban on the canisters.
Lesley added: "Ian, Paul and I have recently secured this site for extra protection as a 'Local Green Space' in the Council's draft local plan. As well as protecting it from development, we also need to protect it from those who come here and abuse it."
