Bolton cannabis QR code stickers to be removed after concerns

It has brought to light a problem with the local authority, on potentially missing some stickers, as well as the company behind the codes undertaking a review.

The codes, which were called “flyposting” by residents, appeared on lampposts around the Blackburn Road and Moss Bank Way area of Bolton.

It is understood some of these QR codes have been removed by Bolton Council.

(Image: Newsquest | Joe Regent)

She claims Bolton Council acted upon the QR codes, but called for more measures to prevent similar incidents happening in the future.

She said: “Some of them have been removed, I believe. But I don’t know that there are new ones or whether they’ve always been there and they didn’t get that far up.

“But I was just a little bit sort of snapped up as they say, they have sort of upped the game and I’ve responded this morning to another officer.

Bolton Council usually clear what has been reported to them through residents or councillors, and so any unreported cases could be overlooked.

(Image: Cllr Toby Hewitt)

The QR codes were brought into light this week, after a 9-year-old scanned one leading to a website named happylabs.so.

In that report, happylabs.so told The Bolton News they were reviewing their promotional methods, and the codes weren’t meant for children to be using.

Cllr Fairclough said she was worried there could be more over the town, and still worried young people could access the site.

(Image: NQ)

The QR codes are displayed on stickers featuring an image strikingly like a fast food-style fries carton, although the design has been altered and does not belong to the chain.

Cllr Fairclough said her main concern was that the stickers could attract the attention of children because of their placement and design.

She added: “I don’t know how many of these stickers there are, there could be thousands.

“This one in particular because I feel it’s enticing young people but also you know I get sick of seeing things tied to lampposts you know, I think it makes the place look completely tatty.

(Image: Cllr Toby Hewitt)

“I just don’t agree with it, if you allow it for one you have to allow it for all.

“I’ve no problem with charities or schools putting something up for 10 days to advertise something that’s going on, but I’ve no time for the others I’m afraid.”

Bolton Council has been contacted for more information.