THERE are fears teenagers in Swindon could be following the laughing gas craze by inhaling nitrous oxide meant for whipping up cream after empty cannisters were discovered in Okus.

Clusters of silver capsules, designed for use in the kitchen, have been found discarded around Okus, alongside balloons.

One resident questioned sales at the Premier convenience store in Celsus Grove after finding the cannisters in a play area behind the shop, in Okus Road and near Commonweal School.

He contacted Coun Nadine Watts, South Swindon MP Robert Buckland and Trading Standards with his concerns, saying the cream chargers had been displayed on the counter.

The store said this week the items had been taken off public display, were not being sold to under-18s and it would not be replenishing its stock.

The resident, who did not wish to be named, first made his views known to the shop several months ago after spotting the product on the counter.

“I find it incredible we can be so complacent in this day and age when we know the dangers of inhaling nitrous oxide,” he said.

“The capsules are quite obviously being used by young adults and possibly even schoolchildren.

“Would we have the same attitude about butane gas or knives on the counter?”

Mr Buckland, who raised the matter with Swindon Borough Council, said changes in the law should tighten the grey area of legal highs.

A blanket ban outlined in the Queen’s Speech would outlaw the sale of nitrous oxide for human consumption, though legitimate use would not be affected.

Coun Watts (Old Town) also spoke with the council’s Trading Standards team.

She said: “They visited the shop and I was pleased that the shop owner agreed to remove the gas capsules from public display and not to buy any more once his current stocks were depleted.

“It is difficult as the product in itself is not illegal, as it does have a legitimate purpose.

“ Hopefully the legislative changes coming in later this year will help address the problem.”

The store confirmed it will not be replacing its current stock, with sales made only to over-18s and the product kept out of view.

A spokesman said: “We are a community store and in the six years we’ve been here we’ve been spot-checked countless times and never had one problem with underage sales, alcohol, tobacco.

“You can buy the cream chargers online and I can also name about 20 or 30 local convenience stores in Swindon who are selling the product.

“It is a legal product on the UK market, which is not included in the new legislation.

“We can’t write the stock off, as there is a lot of money involved but as soon as it has gone we will not be getting it back in again.”

If nitrous oxide is inhaled it can make people feel euphoric and relaxed, which has led to it being nicknamed laughing gas. However, there is a risk of death as a lack of oxygen can occur.