THE father of a Swindon man who died in 2013 after taking a legal high is overjoyed that the substances are set to be banned.

The Government announced in Wednesday’s Queen’s Speech that it would introduce the Psychoactive Substances Bill in the coming parliament.

It will mean a total ban on producing, supplying or possessing with intent to supply any legal highs.

Chris Scott, from Parks, died after taking a pill at the age of just 23, leaving behind three children.

Since then his father Mike has campaigned to have them banned.

“I am absolutely overjoyed with the news,” said Mike.

“If it gets to be law then it really goes after these substances, which can be extremely dangerous.

“I know this will never bring back my son but if it helps to save a life in one other family then it is worth it.”

The 49-year-old was pleased the act will introduce a blanket ban on the substances as well as go after those who sell legal highs.

“Many of the shops which have made a profit from selling legal highs will have to shut down,” he said.

“I can’t see a way they could survive.

“The Act does not appear to be going after these people who are selling but as far as I can tell the Government are going after the substances.

“Many of them are just put on the market without any kind of tests until after damage is done.

“I am really pleased the Government has said it will do this and I hope it comes into effect as soon as possible.”

Last week, councils across the country called on the Government to introduce the ban, claiming it cost millions of pounds each year to deal with the effects.

In a report on the Psychoactive Substances Bill, the Government said: “The purpose of the bill is to protect hardworking citizens from the risks posted by untested, unknown and potential harmful drugs and to create a blanket ban which would prohibit and disrupt the production, distribution, sale and supply of new psychoactive substances in the UK.”

The Act will introduce a possible prison sentence of up to seven years for those who are found to be supplying legal highs.

It will also give powers to police and the councils to issue prohibition notices and orders to allow them to deal with premises which sell them in an appropriate way.

Earlier in the week, Coun Brian Mattock (Con, Old Town), the cabinet member for adult health, said there was not a specific problem with legal highs in Swindon. But he said the council would monitor the issue.

“We are aware of the move by a small number of councils in the country to urge for a ban on legal highs and we’ll keep a close eye on this position,” he said.

“However, there is no evidence at this stage to suggest a particular problem or increased usage in Swindon.”