We the undersigned call on the UK Government to introduce new legislation to prevent the sale of legal highs such as hippie-crack.

Hippie-crack is a term used for the recreational use by gas abusers of soda siphon cartridges. The gas Nitrous-oxide gives gas bausers a sense of euphoria and hallucinations.

The cartridges have commercial purposes and are used in the catering industry and to fill balloons. However a restriction preventing under 18's from purchasing the items will make it more difficult for our young people to fall into the trap of addiction

We also call on the MET Police and other policing authorities up and down the country to enact 'test purchases' to make sure no vendors are selling to individuals who are intoxicated or exhibiting other signs of 'gas abuse', as existing legislation doe permit for enforcement for such failure to asses clients by sellers.

The London Bororough of Redbridge Drugs and Alcohol Team and similar bodies across the UK must produce literature to advise young people against the use of legal highs, especially hippie-crack which is seen as innocuous fun.

A young teenage campaigner schooled at Kantor King Solomon High is spearheading a campaign for better awareness amongst young people her age regarding the pitfalls of legal highs.

Hannah Chowdhry, who volunteers for the British Pakistani Christian Association, is worried about the proliferation of empty soda siphon cartridges around the borough, which not only create a trip hazard but are symbolic of the legal-high craze which is engulfing vulnerable young people in Redbridge.

"This craze is dangerous because their are so many on-line videos promoting playing with nitrous-oxide for recreational purposes. (click here)

"After watching a video i which people were having fun while playing with a baloon wih some of the gas. I too felt like I would have a go until my dad explained that their can be serious healh problems related to use of the gas and that people have died using it.

"Moreover, he also explained that many addicts of harder more dangerous drugs begin with less harmful substance abuse. When they overuse a minor drug they seek a bigger thrill and that leads to serious addictions that are often impossible to overcome.

"I dont think many young people are aware of the pitfulls, this is illustrated through disposed cartridges that are easy to find on our streets."

Hannah showed her father a location in the car park of Gants Hill Library where empty soda siphon canisters were regularly being found.

Wilson Chowdhry, Chairman of the East Ilford Betterment Partnership has initiated a campaign to 'curb the undesirable and dangerous social malaise', he said:

"Response to this craze has to be comprehensive, robust and immediate. The Government, LOcal Authorities and Policing Authorities have to work in tandem to reduce and eventually eradicate this social sickness.

"Laws should be introduced so that companies selling nitrous-oxide have to register and can then be monitered by local government licensing teams and local police who will be empowered to make arrests and apply fines.

"Any nitrous-oxide products must come with a minimum age for purchase set at 18 and ID should be required as proof of maturity.

"Any companies found flounting laws for sale should be publically shamed - we must act now to save our younger generation!

"Most importantly local council Drugs and Alcohol Services must create new literature explaining the dangers of legal highs, in particular hippie-crack which is so widespread. This should be reinforced with talks to children in schools and colleges across their boroughs."

Mr Chowdhry has completed a petition and is calling for residents across the UK to sign it. The petition will be delivered to 10 Downing Street.