A litter-picking group in Peterborough collected 82 discarded nitrous oxide canisters in a single day, describing the haul as "off the scale" and far above the usual three to twelve typically found in a session. The find, made near Norman Road Car Park, underscores continuing concerns about the misuse of the gas, which was reclassified as a Class C drug in 2023, and the litter it generates in known local hotspots.

Volunteer Harry Machin, from Peterborough Litter Wombles, said many of the canisters appeared to be recent rather than historic, and that larger canisters are increasingly replacing the smaller silver versions once more common. Cambridgeshire Police confirmed it had disposed of 972 canisters over the past year and had also noted a rise in larger canisters. A council motion from Conservative councillor Ishfaq Hussain, calling for a public awareness campaign and tougher enforcement against illegal sales, is due to be debated on Wednesday at Fletton Quays.