Discarded small silver gas canisters which residents may spot in our parks, precincts and sometimes near schools, often signal a hidden drug problem on our streets.

These canisters contain Nitrous Oxide known as ‘laughing gas’ which is just one of a number of so called ‘legal highs’ that make the user light headed, depriving the body of oxygen, and in excess can be fatal.

However, new ground breaking laws have been introduced to give our Police greater powers to clamp down on this dangerous trade by making it an offence, punishable by a 7 year sentence, to produce and supply psychoactive substances. From now on new drugs that appear on the market can be made illegal quicker than ever before, bringing an end to the ‘cat and mouse’ game in which new drugs appear faster than they can be banned.

Unfortunately, with names like ‘Spice’ and ‘Cherry-Bombs’ these drugs sound innocent and appeal to young people and so new laws will be welcomed by parents, police and teachers alike.

In Stockport, the use of ‘legal highs’ is a worrying trend and I am pleased that both the Government and our police force are tackling the harm that using these drugs can cause as well as educating young people about the dangers they pose.

There are exceptional risks associated with taking these substances, and their use can be fatal. For my part, I would urge people not to buy these ‘legal highs’ and to consider the devastating long term damage associated with them.