Nitrous oxide is recognised as a public health risk, with its use particularly prevalent among young adults and closely linked to anti-social behaviour.

Many residents have expressed concerns about this issue, so Sandwell council is proposing to create a new borough-wide public space protection order to give it the power to address this issue by making it an offence for any person, when requested by an authorised officer, not to surrender any nitrous oxide canisters. Cabinet Member for Living Healthy Lives Councillor Farut Shaeen said: 

“Anti-social behaviour, including littering, has no place in our borough. We all want Sandwell to be a safe place to live and an attractive place to work and shop. 

“This proposal is a public statement of the council’s intent to crack down on this issue and the anti-social behaviour it causes. It sends a clear message to our residents that Sandwell Council is listening to their concerns and taking appropriate action. 

“This order will work in tandem with the borough-wide Alcohol PSPO, which was renewed in March 2021, to address anti-social behaviour across Sandwell.” 

Sandwell Council has opened a ten-week consultation on the proposed borough-wide nitrous oxide PSPO. This is an opportunity for residents, local business and anyone with and interest to have their say. The consultation will run until 16 July 2021. 

The council’s proposals and details of how to comment are at www.sandwell.gov.uk/consultation.