Used 'laughing cannisters' were dumped on a children's park.
The cannisters were left around a well-used play area between Pendlebury Street and Ullswater Street, Astley Bridge, prompting concern and complaints particularly from parents nearby.
Videos showing this had appeared on social media but on Wednesday evening, police and enforcement officers moved in to investigate after being alerted by a resident.
Speaking from the scene Cllr Rabiya Jiva said: “We have responded to it rapidly with the information provided.
“We can assure you that the police and the enforcement team are working closely with myself and the resident.
“Greater Manchester Police are out door-knocking at this moment in time to acquire CCTV footage.”
She added: "We have heard from several residents that the Nitrous Oxide has not been used locally in the area, instead it appears that someone has come from outside and dumped it there."
Nitrous Oxide, often known by its street names as ‘laughing gas’ or ‘hippy crack’ is contained inside pressurised metal canisters, from which gas is pumped into balloons before users inhale.
Negative side effects can include dizziness, difficulty in thinking clearly due to lack of oxygen and hallucinations.
People using nitrous oxide have also been known to experience extreme headaches, serious nerve damage and sound distortions.
Users then often leave behind the used containers in public places, as has been the case near the park.
Cllr Jiva, who sits as opposition spokesperson for stronger community, which deals with policing and public safety on Bolton Council says that she has now raised this with town hall officials who will be dealing with it in response.
In the meantime, she has encouraged residents to treat the abandoned cannisters with caution.
In particular, she has warned people not to touch cannisters like these, given that they could be hazardous and that it could interfere with ongoing investigations.
Cllr Jiva said: “I assure you that people should not be touching this because it is a form of evidence.
“Within the next 24 hours to 48 hours Andy Bolan’s team within the enforcement office at Bolton Council will be clearing this.
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“Please can I advice you all not to touch these cannisters as they are highly dangerous if not cleaned up effectively and properly disposed of.”
“If you have any information about this kind of activity in this area, please report to myself, to the police or if you are afraid of doing so please report via Crimestoppers.”
Police can be contacted on 101 or 999 in the event of an emergency while independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.
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