Scourge of 'hippy crack' in Burnley

An NHS professional has urged Burnley Council and the government to tackle the potentially fatal scourge of ‘hippy crack’.
By Bill Jacobs
Published 3rd Mar 2022, 12:30 BST
Overlooking Burnley Town Centre. Photo: Kelvin StuttardOverlooking Burnley Town Centre. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard
Overlooking Burnley Town Centre. Photo: Kelvin Stuttard

Fiona Wild told the full budget meeting of Burnley Council that nitrous oxide canisters sold for catering purposes were a major threat to the health of the borough’s young as the number of discarded canisters showed.She asked for the authority to press ministers for action.Mrs Wild told the meeting last week: “I’m coming at this both as a resident of Burnley and as a health professional with over 21 years service in the NHS.“I’m a regular dog walker and take part in a lot of community clean ups.“Over the past few years I’ve noticed little piles of small silver canisters in various places, often under a canal bridge, near seating areas or in parks.“This is not only a blight on the environment but a highly dangerous drug that can have a serious impact because these canisters contain nitrous oxide.“Nitrous oxide is commonly known as laughing gas or hippy crack and is used for recreational purposes.“It’s highly dangerous and incredibly cheap and widely accessible.“Reports have found it is becoming the gateway drug amongst many young people.“Its sale for recreational purposes was criminalised in 2016.“These canisters can be purchased cheaply and quickly on line and this includes delivery direct to the doorstep. “Laughing gas gets its nickname because it causes brief fits of uncontrollable laughter by interfering with the oxygen supply to the brain.“It can cause severe headaches, numbness or tingling in the hands and feet, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness and risk of suffocation.“It has been linked to 25 deaths since 2010.“Many who take it have no idea of the risks which include vitamin B12 deficiency, jaundice, mouth ulcers, dizziness and permanent nerve damage. It impacts on existing mental health issues.“It is dangerous and can kill. The number of discarded canisters tells me there is a real problem locally.“I am urging you to write to the relevant government ministers asking they review the current laws for the licensing and purchasing of these canisters.”Cllr Bea Foster, the borough’s community boss, said: “We are all concerned about the effect these canisters have on the health of our young people. This issue is on our agenda.”