Three weeks ago in this column, I wrote about a motion that myself and Three Bridges Councillor Brenda Burgess, had brought to last month’s Full Council meeting of Crawley Borough Council. Our motion was about pressing for government action to ban the possession of nitrous oxide (also known as laughing gas) canisters, which has widely become an increasingly used drug among younger people.
As well as this drug causing long-term health problems which ultimately adds to pressure on the NHS, the taking of this drug is widely associated with anti-social behaviour while under its influence, and it is perhaps of no surprise that the users of this drug leave their canisters littered around along with other rubbish that they generate.
You don’t have to look too far in Crawley to find these small silver-looking canisters littered around. I’m also aware of large canisters having been found in Three Bridges and the town centre, which can cause more instant serious health consequences.
Cllr Brenda Burgess and I secured whole Council agreement for our motion and following what I believe us to be the first local authority to pass such a motion, the Conservative Government is now actively bringing forward legislation to ban possession of Nitrous Oxide canisters. There will also be tighter controls on retailers to prevent the supply of Nitrous Oxide for misuse.
While this will not solve the problem entirely, it is definitely a strong step in the right direction. It is perhaps not a surprise that this recent announcement is getting resistance from the lefty lawyer types, who while making a very handsome living out of working the legal system themselves, seem to oppose all measures that actually make a difference in toughening up on drug and criminal culture in our country.
The ban on Nitrous Oxide is part of the government’s new overall strategy on cracking down on anti-social behaviour. This I very much welcome and pay credit to Rishi Sunak, as there has previously been far too much caution and emphasis placed on the rights of the perpetrators, as opposed to the wellbeing of the victims.
Councillor Duncan Crow, Leader of Crawley Borough Council Conservative Group
29th March 2023
