A dangerous legal high used at ‘laughing gas parties’ in Fairfield car park has concerned a local man who says he had found ‘thousands’ of empty gas canisters.

The resident, who didn’t want to be named, has come across the empty steel canisters, which hold the gas known as ‘Hippie Crack’, on ‘a daily basis’ whilst walking in the Fairfield car park area in recent weeks.

Although legal, the Nitrous Oxide the canisters contain. has come under scrutiny because of the dangers it can pose, with a number of deaths being linked with it in the last ten years.

Ange Sampson, centre manager at 7 Corners, Abergavenny, said the use of so-called Hippie Crack, and other legal highs has been on the rise over the last few years as designer chemicals flood the market.

“It is quite a trend, they call it ‘Nos’. We have been finding the canisters around and about, up and down the alleyways, really.

“Young people are very aware of legal highs like this and how easy it is to get hold of them.

“People who use it are in danger of freezing their throats, which obviously leads to death. Legal highs are a big scene on the streets at the moment,” she said.

Ms Sampson added that 7 Corners acts as a ‘signpost’ which can help young people who may feel they have a problem with using legal highs.

Police say recreational use of the drug is on the rise, with users reporting a brief but intense high that leaves them feeling euphoric, relaxed and giggly.

Users often fill balloons with the gas and inhale deeply, causing a short-lived high which can cause significant risks to the respiratory system, in some cases leading to death.

Drug treatment groups have said people have reported suffering from seizures, falls and breathing problems after inhaling the drug.

The anaesthetic is still used for pain relief during dentistry and childbirth, but has been a topic of concern recently as governments seek to stem the growth of so-called legal highs.

It is currently illegal to sell to under-18s, but a local resident pointed out that the gas is sold as a ‘whipped cream charger’ usually employed by caterers, and could be easier to purchase than alcohol.

The growth of nitrous oxide saw some 470,000 people use the substance in 2013/14, according to Home Office figures.

The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs said there have been 17 fatalities related to the use of ‘laughing gas’ in the UK since 2006.

Gwent Police said tackling the issue was high on the agenda, and warned people of using drugs which have little research of their known effects.

Abergavenny’s police chief, Inspector Arwel Hicks told the Chronicle,“We’re warning all young people to stay away from so-called ‘legal’ highs.

“We want to make sure that people understand the dangerous consequences of taking these drugs and would encourage all parents be vigilant in checking their children’s behaviour for signs that they may be using these substances.

“We will be tackling the sale and use of these substances and would warn any individuals against using them,” he said.