Disgruntled villagers are furious after “dangerous” gas canisters were littered in a car park.
It is not the first time the remnants have been left at the parking facility in New Ash Green, near Longfield.
Last summer worried villagers and councillors raised concerns after the huge laughing gas canisters appeared at the school car park.
In November, possession of Nitrous Oxide, also known as laughing gas, for misused was made a criminal offence for the first time.
Since then there has been reported decline in its presence locally but yesterday (April 27) fears re-emerged after more of the nitrous oxide canisters were found in the school car park by the Church Road crossing.
Pictures shared on Facebook sparked concerns among villagers.
“They are so dangerous I hit one the other day and I was so lucky it didn’t burst my wheel, a motorbike would not be so lucky, my children grew up in this village and we never had this amount of rubbish,” one resident commented.
“They respected their surroundings, it’s such a shame it’s just not the same, sad.”
Another said: “I do not live in New Ash Green but this is disgusting.
“It’s got to be young people. Good, normal people would not do this.
“Definitely need CCTV. But who would the cost be down to?”
Cllr Laura Manston (Green) highlighted the dangers around the gas canisters and hopes more will not be found as we approach summer.
“Since possession of Nitrous Oxide for misuse became an offence, in November 2023, we have seen a decline in evidence of its use on our streets.
“However, that also coincides with the colder weather so I hope that this latest evidence isn’t a sign that the trend will continue now it is warmer,” she said.
“We do regular litter picks and always collect canisters when we see them, leaving them in a pile and emailing the council to collect them.
“We urge residents to do the same, as the canisters can explode if they end up in refuse trucks.”
The drug is often called “hippy crack” and is typically found in small silver canisters but is now also appearing in supersized versions which are larger – and more dangerous.
Also known as laughing gas or nos, nitrous oxide slows down the brain and body’s responses when inhaled and can create feelings of euphoria, or fits of giggles.
The party drug is second to cannabis as the most commonly misused substance among 16 to 24-year-olds in England.
The mind-altering gas is set to be banned as part of a government crackdown on anti-social behaviour.
It comes despite warnings from experts a ban will not clamp down on its use and could drive distribution into criminal hands.
Police have also been contacted for comment.
