The government announced their plan last month (March 26) to establish a new "zero-tolerance approach" to all forms of anti-social behaviour.
The "Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan" is set to bring in various new measures including dedicated funding to police and councils to target enforcement in areas where anti-social behaviour is most prevalent, allow police to test for a wider range of drugs in custody, and an increase in the fines handed out for littering and fly-tipping, in a move to limit the number of police reports surrounding nuisance and anti-social crimes.
Under this new approach, the government also looks to ban nitrous oxide, commonly known as "laughing gas" or NOS, which the government reported is now the third most commonly used drug in England amongst 16 to 24 year olds.
According to drug helpline Frank, nitrous oxide slows down the brain and body's responses, resulting in feelings of euphoria, relaxation and calmness.
But the organisation also warns that inhalation of the gas can cause dizziness and severe headache, impact straight-thinking, and short-lived intense feelings of paranoia.
Kingsley is just one of the areas in Northampton affected by anti-social behaviour, with the latest Police Crime Dashboard data revealing that 14 anti-social crimes were committed in Kingsley throughout February 2023.
It is evident that nitrous oxide usage is prevalent in Kingsley, with roads like Chaucer street and Moore street, as well as areas like The Racecourse, littered with empty NOS canisters.
Tying into the problem, the canisters cannot be put into general waste or recycled at home, and must only be disposed of at a Household Waste and Recycling Centre.
The Kingsley Courier approached West Northamptonshire Council, who have long been against anti-social behaviour, to ask how they have received the governments action plan:
"West Northamptonshire Council supports the Government's plans to ban public access to NOS gas canisters, which can be dangerous if used incorrectly.
"We are currently working with Public Health to tackle issues around substance misuse and raise awareness around the harmful effects of inhaling NOS gas.
"We take littering very seriously and would warn anyone who litters that they risk being subject to enforcement action thereby incurring a financial penalty.
"Our officers will continue to work hard to keep our streets tidy and remove these canisters and any other litter, however, it is the responsibility of the individual to dispose of waste correctly and safely."
Do you live in Kingsley and have a story to tell? Contact us at thekingsleycourier@gmail.com
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