A graffiti artist has daubed a hard-hitting health message at a site where 'laughing gas' nitrous oxide is often inhaled.

The mysterious anti-nitrous oxide message on Mount Street, in the BD3 area of Bradford, has sparked a further call for action on Bradford’s ‘hippy crack’ culture.

The gas – which is sold in canisters - is used legitimately in the catering industry, but is often misused and inhaled from balloons by those looking to get high. 

READ MORE: Bradford doctor warns of dangerous nitrous oxide side effects

Nitrous oxide - which is not illegal to possess - produces a feeling of calmness and euphoria, but can seriously affect people's reaction time and health. 

The unknown figure behind the health-related graffiti spelt out ‘Smartwhips kill’.

But the messaging hasn’t appeared to impact people’s actions in the parking bay directly opposite.

Leftover canisters and takeaway rubbish littered on the pavement and roads paint a picture of nitrous oxide-fuelled gatherings.

One worker in the area said: “It's a dump. Personally, I wouldn't come round here on a night."

Another worker told the T&A that they regularly see the surrounding streets used for anti-social behaviour, drug dealing and car meets.

READ MORE: Residents not reporting crime as they have 'no faith' anything will be done

It isn’t the first time that Councillor Hassan Khan (Bowling and Barkerend, Labour) has heard reports of criminal activities and anti-social gatherings in the area.

Cllr Khan said: “We’ve had some parking issues in the area. We did talk to the people, business people, about street cleaning because there’s rubbish.

“Business owners do come out and clean the street. We have provided for the businesses litter bins.

“We’re trying our best to keep this area clean.

“Last year we had a few phone calls from the area about young people coming out with expensive, flashy cars there. It’s been policed and controlled.

“It’s been quiet for a while.

“We need to talk to the police. The problem is the people are not reporting this to the police so the police can’t take action with it.”

Speaking on the dangers of nitrous oxide, Cllr Khan said: “It’s really dangerous taking this. It’s damaging their bodies and it’s not good.

“We need to let young people know it’s not good for their health and they’re just taking it for fun but it’s going to cause damage.

“This culture needs to be stopped. This is national, everyone is taking these things.

“The Government needs to take responsibility, public information campaigns to come out and help these young people.”

Cllr Khan is set to report the graffiti to Bradford Council's area warden and order for the building to be cleaned.

It comes days after council bosses were urged to ask the Government for tougher legislation to deal with laughing gas.

Empty canisters of the gas have become an increasingly common sight at roadsides and in car parks, and there have been fears that some users get behind the wheel after inhaling the drug.

Want Bradford’s top stories delivered straight to your inbox each morning? Sign up to our newsletter to get our daily bulletin.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

Have you got a story for us? Email newsdesk@telegraphandargus.co.uk or contact us here, WhatsApp us on 07720403052 or call us on 01274 705292.