THE discovery of empty 'hippy crack' canisters has led to warnings about the potential dangers of using the legal high.

Evidence has been gathered across Ulverston of discarded containers in Croftlands and in the car park at Ford Park.

Hippy crack is nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas.

It works by blocking signals to the conscious mind from other parts of the brain, giving users a brief feeling of intense euphoria and relaxation.

Jill Salmon, chief executive at Ford Park, said she worries the Christmas period will lead to more people turning to it for recreation.

“In the past we have found canisters in and around the park," she said.

“If canisters are found on the premises then it is not a good look for people coming to visit.

“It is very unfortunate that young people are using the park to engage with laughing gas."

Ms Salmon said Ford Park would be behind authorities launching a potential crackdown on people using laughing gas.

She said: “We absolutely support any organisation that wants to bring an end to young people using laughing gas in and around Ulverston.

“With colleges closed and shops shutting for Christmas, there will be an increase in people using it but we need to make sure that we put an end to it.”

Cllr Mark Wilson, along with wife Shirley-Anne, said the use of hippy crack in Ulverston was becoming a problem.

Cllr Wilson has thanked Croftlands Safety Group for raising the issue and hopes authorities respond.

He said: “It is becoming a problem and it is not helped by the slang name hippy crack.

“I think people should be warned of the dangers of yet another substance which can have terrible implications for car drivers on their personal health and behaviours.

“I would also like to say thanks to the Croftlands Safety Group for noticing the empty canisters and bringing it to the attention of the appropriate authorities.”

According to reports, 'hippy crack' was used by an estimated 569,000 people aged 16 to 24 in 2016-17.

The gas is used during dental work, childbirth to numb pain and in whipped cream canisters.

The most popular way to inhale nitrous oxide is using balloons.