A Peterborough litter picking group has spoken of the growing problem caused by Nitrous Oxide (NOS) cannisters – after finding 82 at one city car park.

The Peterborough Litter Wombles made the discovery at the car park in Norman Road this month, and Harry Machin, founder of the group, has said it is a growing problem in the city.

His comments come as councillor Ishfaq Hussain is set to call on Peterborough City Council to do more to tackle the issue of NOS use in the city.

Since November 2023, the possession of nitrous oxide for wrongful inhalation has generally been prohibited under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, following its classification as a Class C controlled drug.

The Peterborough Litter Wombles have said the amount of dumped NOS cannisters in the city is a growing problem. Picture: Peterborough Litter Wombles

placeholder image — The Peterborough Litter Wombles have said the amount of dumped NOS cannisters in the city is a growing problem. Picture: Peterborough Litter Wombles

Mr Machin said: “We were doing our regular Sunday litter pick, this time in the Norman Road area of Eastfield.

“We were in the car park, and we found the cannisters. Most were in the car park itself, but some were near-by.

"We were told by a resident that the cannisters had come from a party that had gone on until 6.30am.

"It is a growing problem. We rarely see the old ‘small’ silver cannisters that used to be everywhere any more, but we see more and more of the big, catering sized ones.

The 82 NOS cannisters. Picture: Peterborough Litter Wombles

"We picked up the 82 a couple of weeks ago, and it was 12 on Sunday this week (July 26).

"It really is an increasing problem.”

Cllr Hussain’s motion to the council – which will be heard at the full council meeting on Wednesday (July 29) says. “Members have observed an increasing number of discarded nitrous oxide canisters during community litter picks and in public spaces across Peterborough.”

It adds: “Council further notes that nitrous oxide misuse poses significant risks to individuals and the wider community. In addition to serious neurological injury and, in some cases, death, its misuse can contribute to anti-social behaviour, environmental littering and dangerous driving. Because the intoxicating effects are often short-lived and difficult to detect without specialist forensic testing, enforcement presents significant challenges.”

Cllr Hussain’s motion calls for more education and enforcement to prevent the illegal use of NOS in the city.

To read the full council agenda, visit https://democracy.peterborough.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=139&MId=5389