A TEACHER vented concerns after finding more than 40 gas canisters used for drug use in a serene public park.

Because of the tranquillity, Alice Sanders often visits Springfield Park, located between the River Chelmer and Humber Road with friends to unwind at weekends.

This was the first time she discovered the drug paraphernalia, strewn across the field and around fire damaged grass, once containing legal high nitrous oxide – or ‘hippy crack.’

The 27-year-old said: “I’ve seen these canisters dotted around in various rural settings and it’s just a shame it’s becoming another form of littering, and a potentially dangerous one at that.

“A large group of teenagers turned up at the opposite side of the park. They weren’t loud or obnoxious, but just before they left we noticed they were taking laughing gas.

“I thought ‘crumbs’. 

“Of course, children will be children, and the police don’t have the resources to be everywhere at once – but surely more could be done to raise awareness about the dangers of the drug.”

Councillor Bob Massey, Chelmsford City Council’s cabinet member for parks, admitted the problem is widespread, but assured residents the authority is doing everything it can to deter drug users.

He said: “I think it’s a widespread problem across many areas.

“I have seen evidence of it elsewhere in the borough, and I will be making the council officers aware of it if they are not already.”

The city council first banned taking and selling legal highs at V Festival in 2015, making it the first authority to do so at such a large event.

The ban was part of a Public Spaces Protection Order, with anyone caught facing a fine of up to £1,000.

Councillor Massey continued: “As a council we’re doing everything we can to prevent the use of laughing gas, For example we have the Public Spaces Protection Order in place.”

The government introduced a blanket crackdown on legal highs earlier this year.

Their production, distribution, sale and supply was outlawed via the Psychoactive Substance Act, in May.

Tough sentences of up to seven years for offenders and new powers for police are included in the Act.