Drug fears sparked as shells found in Fowlmere park

Concerns have been raised about drug use in a village after empty gas canisters were found in a park.

The shells of nine small silver canisters were found by a walker last week in Fowlmere Recreation Ground, sparking fears the content – nitrous oxide – is being inhaled as laughing gas by teenagers.

The canisters can be purchased legally to make desserts.

Fowlmere district councillor Deborah Roberts said: “Teenagers use it to get high. This is worrying because taken in excess, it can be very damaging.

“We need a support officer talking to these children. The recreation ground is away from the highway so it provides a safe haven for teenagers.

“What we need to do is get the message out to young people and make them aware this is an illegal activity. We are lucky in Fowlmere, we have very few complaints, and people tend to be well behaved.

“If people are out walking and they find these canisters, they must contact the police. We need to stop it. I don’t want the little ones in the park picking one up.”