A TORRIDGE district councillor and the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall are warning of the dangers of legal highs and how they can make people extremely ill.

Cllr Michael Footitt said: 'As Torridge's member champion for young people my main concern regarding legal highs is the fact that someone as young as 13 can buy these in shops or off the internet. As these products are available in Torridge I am very concerned for local youngsters.'  

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner Tony Hogg said: 'Parents need to understand the serious health-risks involved if their children use legal highs.

'I am determined that we do everything we can to educate our communities so they understand that just because the substance says it is legal, it does not mean it is safe.'

Mr Hogg is urging other local authorities and politicians to join him in highlighting the issue.

He added: 'I will be speaking to our partners in local authorities and to our political representatives to ensure that we are not only doing everything legally possible to stop the peddling of these potentially lethal substances on our high streets but, also, that legislation is considered which makes retailers liable for any harm caused by the products they sell.'

Cllr Footitt added: 'Mr Hogg has my full support. Drugs intended for human consumption must be regulated by the Medicines Act, and therefore undergo rigorous testing to determine how they can be used safely.

'Legal highs fall outside of such regulations and so no one can be really sure if they could cause harm when consumed. Allowing sellers to hide behind loose disclaimers should be no defence when a substance is clearly sold for it psychoactive properties.'