Police patrol around the World Heritage-listed Iron Bridge due to night-time vehicle gatherings and the discovery of nitrous oxide

Amy Newbrook, West Mercia Police Officer and PCSO for Ironbridge in Telford, reported the incidents relating to anti-social behavior on the force’s Neighborhood Matters page last night (Saturday, October 19).

According to the post, police received reports of gatherings in the Station Yard car park next to the World Heritage Site into the early hours of the morning.

Vehicles are said to have left a “large quantity” of empty nitrous oxide canisters in the car park.

The police officer said members of the force will carry out patrols in the area to deter further incidents and reminded Shropshire residents of the dangers of the illegal Class C drug.

The post said: “This week we have received reports of vehicles gathering at the Station Yard Car Park in Ironbridge late at night and into the early morning. The vehicles park and leave behind a large number of empty nitrous oxide canisters.

“Nitrous oxide or NOS, as it is known, is a colorless gas sold in cans and usually inhaled using a balloon. It can slow your brain and body’s responses. The effects of the drug vary depending on how much has been inhaled.

“This is a Class C drug, which means it is illegal to possess, distribute or sell. Possession alone can get you up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. If you supply anyone else, even your friends, you could face up to fourteen years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both.

“We hope that this information, and that in the link above, will discourage people from using nitrous oxide and also give parents information to talk to their children about.

“We also realize that nitrous oxide is linked to anti-social behavior and we will be carrying out patrols around the car park and surrounding area to deter further incidents.”

Residents of Shropshire can contact their local police team with information about the incidents by emailing: [email protected]