Tubs of laughing gas cannisters found in Herefordshire town

A group proactive in cleaning up Ross-on-Wye has found tubs full of silver cannisters.

Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, can cause permanent damage in the central nervous system, paralysis and can even be fatal.

Sandra Brown, volunteer for Ross community litter clean up crew, found 18 nitrous oxide canisters last week, 15 of them were behind Morrisons on August 4.

She has found small nitrous oxide cannisters and big blue tubes for the cannisters

RELATED NEWS:

• Ron drags his bin to Herefordshire Council and demands: empty it!
• Why this Herefordshire student is promoting second-hand fashion
• Dangerous laughing gas canisters found in Herefordshire's countryside

She also found a "big blue nitrous oxide canister" in the alley between Three Crosses and Brampton Shop.

This was a first for her, and she later took it to the tip, she said.

The next day she found three small cannisters and was shocked to find another big canister by Ross-on-Wye preschool playgroup.

Police have been monitoring a specific area of the town in relation to laughing gas users.

A spokesperson from Ross-on-Wye Safer Neighbourhood Team said: "We regularly patrol the area of Rope Walk, Ross on Wye.

OTHER NEWS:

• What Herefordshire wants to see at night after rape reports
• Historic Herefordshire building saved from disrepair
• Emergency services tackle house fire in Herefordshire

"Inhaling the gas in itself is not illegal.

"The selling of the gas for reasons other than the use they are intended for such as cooking is illegal.

"But unfortunately, they can be purchased easily off the internet with very little restriction. We have checked previously that no local shops are selling these items to the public and will continue to do so."