A CRACKDOWN on anti-social behaviour has been launched after almost 100 canisters of laughing gas were found in a park in Stroud.

Stroud Town Council is combining forces with the police as Bank Gardens and Park Gardens – two of the town’s most popular green spaces – have become hotspots for anti-social behaviour.

It is particularly bad on Fridays and Saturdays when large numbers of young people use the parks to drink and use other substances such as nitrous oxide, known as laughing gas.

There have been reports of them shouting abuse and threatening members of the public and the town council’s Green Spaces team.

On July 4, the Green Spaces team had to dispose of almost 100 laughing gas canisters which were found around the memorial shelter in Park Gardens.

The substance comes in small canisters which is inhaled from inflated balloons, giving a short high, however it can be very dangerous.

Users of the drug can be left unconscious or die from a lack of oxygen.

This occurs when the available oxygen for breathing is effectively pushed out by the nitrous oxide. The risk is greater if the gas is consumed in an enclosed space.

Although it is not illegal to be in possession of the substance, it is prohibited from being sold in England and Wales to under-18s if there is a risk they will inhale it.

The town council will liaise with the police, housing officers, youth workers, PCSOs and Neighbourhood Wardens to tackle the issue.

Cllr Rob Green, chairman of the Green Spaces committee, said: “There is a concern that some of these young people causing the problems may be vulnerable and we want to work with organisations who can help us be pro-active and resolve this problem, “While we want to help these young people we must also ensure that they are not spoiling these parks which are the green gems of our town.

“The town council needs the community to help report these incidents so that we can ensure something is done. We want everyone in the community to be able to enjoy these spaces.”

One of the floral displays in Park Gardens has had to be replanted twice due to vandals causing damage.

The town council urges members of the public to report any incidents to the police by calling 101 or emailing 101@gloucestershire.police.uk.