COUNCIL bosses are looking to crackdown on a “dangerous” drug following an apparent surge in use.

Witham Town councillor Chelsey Jay will be requesting the support of her colleagues during an upcoming meeting where they will debate the use of nitrous oxide.

The legal high, commonly known as laughing gas, is available to buy online or from shops in the UK.

But it is known to have side effects which on occasions, can lead to serious health complications, such as seizures, increased heart rate and difficulty breathing.

Miss Jay says there has been an increase in nitrous oxide cannisters and helium balloons being dumped around Witham, which has sparked fears there has been an increase in use in the area.

She is now looking to see what can be done to educate people on its side effects and health risks.

Miss Jay said: “You have a few different issues at play here.

“You have the issue that the drug is legal to take but illegal to deal, so this makes the lives of our wonderful police very difficult because they can only warn people of the risks of taking it when they come face to face with those abusing the gas publicly.

Braintree and Witham Times:

“Then there is the environmental issue, the littering and absolute carnage that’s left behind after people have been using it in our beautiful nature hotspots.

“This effects all of the community who enjoy Witham’s gorgeous open spaces that we are very proud of.

“But the most worrying issue is obviously the health implications of individuals using this high, often young people, who can literally order this stuff off Amazon for a tenner, which is terrifying.”

Miss Jay will put forward a motion, which if approved, will see the town council write to MP Priti Patel and ask her to lobby for changes in advice and laws on the use of the drug.

She added: “This is such an important issue that can’t be ignored.

“Our MP must urgently look into the main issues, of the health and environmental impact and challenge the legal nature of recreationally using this drug.

“Our police need more power, instead of only being able to dish out well-intentioned health advice that often gets ignored.”