A BRADFORD project which aims to deter people from using drugs and harmful substances has mapped out where people have been using nitrous oxide in its local area.
Project YouTurn, which works across the Lidget Green and Scholemoor areas, produced the map to show where it had found nitrous oxide paraphernalia and evidence of its use.
Its programme manager, Zafar Afsar, said the team – which was supported by a number of local organisations – wanted to uncover the local nitrous oxide “hotspots” in a bid to clamp down on the issue.
“The idea was to let those who are using nitrous oxide know that people are watching,” he said.
“The majority of spots on the map are backstreets or dead ends. We must have found 20-plus bottles on a grass bank, and the shameful thing is there are two schools, three mosques and some playing fields within a stone’s throw.
“The majority of people I’ve seen using nitrous oxide are doing it in their cars, and then driving off. They’re in no condition to be driving. It’s resulted in deaths across the country.
“It’s an inner-city issue across the UK, not just in Bradford, and it’s not just an Asian thing or just a white thing. It’s a cheap fix and a lot of young lads are doing it.”
It is illegal to sell nitrous oxide for recreational use, but it is not illegal to possess, with Zafar arguing that this makes it difficult to control.
“It’s easy to point fingers at councillors and police, but their hands are tied. Until a law is passed to make it illegal, what can they do?,” he asked.
“I think central government needs to act. It’s not technically illegal to have nitrous oxide, and how do you prove someone has it with intent to supply?
“I don’t think they have a measuring device, like with alcohol to prove you’re over the limit, for nitrous oxide, either.
“So it’s a case of catching someone taking it red-handed, but that’s hard.”
Zafar has encouraged more organisations in the area to work together to stop nitrous oxide use.
“Everyone is doing their bit, but that isn’t always enough. Joining forces and sharing each other’s resources and information helps massively,” he said.
“Traditionally, our mosques have been a bit closed in terms of tackling things like this, but Imam Adil and the committee at Millat-e-Islamia have been fantastic.
“We can do a lot more together than if we were working as individuals.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel