NEW laws to prevent harm caused by so-called ‘legal highs’ have been welcomed across East Lancashire by councillors and community leaders.

The Psychoactive Substances Act will come into force on Thursday and will provide a blanket ban on the production, supply and importation of new substances.

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While the new act does not criminalise possession of a mind-altering substance, it will be an offence to supply them to another, even giving them away free to friends, as well as possessing them within prisons.

It will also remain an offence to import them, including by buying them from a foreign website.

The ban comes after Blackburn introduced a ban on taking legal highs in town centre.

Blackburn with Darwen councillor Maureen Bateson said the term ‘legal’ can be misconstrued and it is vital young people understand the harm these substances can cause.

She said: “I certainly welcome this new law, some of the dangers surrounding legal highs have given us cause for concern.

“We know young people trying things isn’t anything new but we are here to safeguard people and any law that helps us do that I think is important.

“I think it is important that people are made aware of what can happen if these legal highs are taken. Just because it doesn’t affect one person doesn’t mean that it won’t affect another.”

Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Council said: “It is very important police are able to address this growing problem but I do think more education is needed on what these substances can do when you consume them.”

Officers have been given powers to stop and search people, vehicles and vessels, enter and search premises in accordance with a warrant and to seize and destroy psychoactive substances.

Operations have been taking place to raise awareness of changes to the law. Shop owners and other suppliers have been given time to adapt to the new laws and stop trading the drugs.

Cllr Alyson Barnes, leader of Rossendale Council, said: “I have become concerned about the harm people have suffered from legal highs and I think anything that further protects our residents I very much welcome.”

Det Ch Insp Graham Gallagher said that the police are dedicated to reducing the harm caused by these drugs and he is urging people to get in touch if they believe shops are supplying psychoactive substances.

He asked people to call police on 101 if they see any substances on sale.