BOLTON residents have told how they have seen people openly taking “hippy crack” at all times of the day.

And council officers say they are working to understand the scale of the issue in Bolton.

The Bolton News reported how hundreds of empty nitrous oxide were left strewn on streets and outside the Olive Tree School in Daubhill.

Nitrous oxide, dubbed hippy crack or laughing gas, is usually consumed through balloons and has long been used by thrill-seeking youngsters at festivals, nightclubs and gigs, and has been likened to snorting cocaine as it gives users an intense feeling of euphoria.

It is illegal for the canisters to be sold for recreational purposes, it is legally used to produce whipped cream and sold as cream chargers.

Other people have since contacted the paper about the problem and the impact it has on the environment.

One said: “I was driving near the hospital the other day, and saw a lad inhaling it openly in his school uniform, and driving past the quarry near Scout Road this week at 7.30 in the morning there’s a bloke openly inhaling in a layby.

“During the week I work in Manchester, so every day can resemble Hogarth’s Gin Lane, but a bit odd for Bolton.”

And another expressed concern that people were using the substance as a drug and getting into their cars “high”.

He said: “I see lots of these cartridges in roadside gutters so I assume a number of users are likely to be driving. Can the police test for it?”

A council spokesperson said: “We are working with our partners to understand the scale of the issue in Bolton.

“There are risks associated with nitrous oxide and we will also be working with 360, our substance misuse service, to educate young people about the risk and problems.

“Young people and families affected can contact the service directly for help and advice on 337330 or email ALWCH.360info@nhs.net.

“We would also remind shopkeepers that it is illegal to sell the drug for human consumption.

“Nitrous oxide, or Laughing Gas, is covered by the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 and is part of the large number of ‘legal highs’.

“Whilst the high that people experience from nitrous oxide does not usually last very long, it can be very dangerous. It can cause dizziness, loss of confusion; loss of coordination, sound distortions and hallucinations.

“Also, if nitrous oxide is taken with other substances, in particular alcohol, then the risks to the person are increased; especially because people often don’t know how much they have actually taken.

“It is important that young people but also their parents know about the risks of nitrous oxide, but also we need to ensure that those at greater risk of using such substances, particularly the young, have the knowledge and support so that positive choices about their health can be made.

“We have a local service for young people who you can contact anonymously if you are worried, or if you are worried for your friend / family member who might be taking nitrous oxide, or indeed any other legal high substances, then please do contact the substance misuse service 360.”