Conservative Councillor Clive Walter tells us “The inhalation of nitrous oxide by youths in St George’s Ward to get a ‘high’ has been of concern to Councillors Clive Walter and Sue Mumford for some considerable time. This was evident from the sheer quantity of small 7.5 gramme empty nitrous oxide cylinders we found lying in the gutters, parks and various other locations.
However of late the presence of these small empty cylinders has dwindled to almost zero and very worryingly been replaced by the larger and potentially much more dangerous (from both short term and longer term health impairment) 615 gramme empty containers.
We decided to do something to draw the attention of youngsters to the problem and to do it at at Halloween a focal point for a fun time.
Clive, through Carers Choices Thundersley Men’s Shed fitted an empty cylinder up into a table lamp, with the assistance of expert wood turner Derek Keeler from The Beacon Men’s Shed who produced an excellent hard wood base. We then got Sue, through her Open Arts Charity in Hadleigh to decorate the shade and produce a couple of flyers on the harmful effects of nitrous oxide inhalation ready for Halloween.
We decided that the Yellow Door who do so much in the Borough to help youngsters would be an appropriate focal point so we presented them to Lindsey their drug and alcohol worker.
Sue and Clive reiterated that this message of the harmful effects of nitrous oxide needs to get across. Have a happy and safe Halloween.”