YORK'S MPs have called for a ban on legal highs to be implemented without further delay.

The Government's Psychoactive Substances Bill was supposed to become law on Wednesday, but a last minute change will now not see a blanket ban on synthetic drugs introduced until May.

Missed legal deadlines mean the potentially lethal drugs labelled as not fit for human consumption can still be sold over the counter until next month.

The delay has frustrated the city's MPs who both voted in favour of the ban.

Julian Sturdy, MP for York Outer, said: "It is very important that this legislation is implemented in full as soon as possible. For far too long York and many other towns and cities across the UK have been at the forefront of the battle against so-called ‘legal’ highs.

“I believe the term ‘legal’ high is in itself a dangerous misnomer, giving some young people the impression that because they are not banned they are less dangerous than more well-known drugs.

"This is simply not true. I very much welcome this blanket ban as it will defeat the age-old problem of legislation lagging behind changes being made to the chemical make-up of these drugs."

Rachael Maskell, MP for York Central, said the law alone was not enough and a programme should be introduced to educate people about dangers of synthetic drugs.

She said: "It's a difficult piece of legislation because it is trying to be all inclusive.

"I supported the Bill in Parliament and think it is really important we try and protect people from these psychoactive substances.

"We have to ensure that proper safeguards are in place and we can't just bring in a ban. I don't want to see any more delays but there shouldn't be any more cuts to public health.

"It's one thing to bring in the ban but if they have the support or education about their dangers they wouldn't get involved in the first place."