A group hoping to rid Arbroath of shops selling so-called legal highs gained more than 1,400 members in two days.
The Facebook page Arbroath Against Legal High Drugs was set up following an emotionally-charged community meeting at the Cafe Project on December 30.
More than 30 parents, teachers and community workers attended alongside local councillors and North East MSP Alex Johnstone with a view to clamping down on stores selling “research chemicals” consumed as drugs.
Since the online group was set up around 30 people have joined every hour.
Administrator Carey Allen urged as many people as possible to get behind the campaign drive which is already looking to make contact with Holyrood ministers.
She said: “Please add yourself to this group and post your opinions if you are concerned about legal high drugs being sold to our kids in Arbroath.
“We aim to write a letter to every MSP asking what the Scottish Government is proposing to do about the legislation and licences of the shops who sell them.
“If we have plenty of group members with concerns posted this will add weight to our argument, and assist us in our goal in changing legislation and protecting our community.
“MSP Alex Johnstone joined us in a discussion about the perils of these drugs and what can be done.
“He plans to take or questions to the chambers. In the meantime we aim to keep raising awareness in our community, taking those concerns to every MSP and pushing for change as soon as possible.”
Member Scott Robb said: “I am 100% against any shop in the town selling these drugs to anyone especially if it gets into the hands of our children of the future, so any action should be welcome in this town.”
John Bisset added: “Ban them and ban all the shops that seem to be popping up all over the place. It’s something we don’t need to have so why advertise it … knock it on the head right now.”
Drugs termed “legal highs” are officially known as New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) and often contain a mixture of legal and illegal compounds.
Arbroath councillor David Fairweather has pledged to submit a motion to Angus Council asking for all councillors to back further investigation into the issue at Holyrood level.
Meanwhile, the Home Office has issued guidance to local authorities detailing what action can be taken against “head shops” that sell “legal highs” but get around the law by stating they are not for consumption.
A number of council areas have already expressed concern such shops are causing increases in anti-social behaviour and health problems.
A Home Office spokesman said: “It is commonly believed that because the products sold in these outlets are (mostly) legal, there is nothing that local authorities or law enforcement can do to disrupt head shops and minimise the damage they cause.
“While there is no simple solution to this issue, there are options for local partners to work together to tackle problems posed by new psychoactive substances.
“There is no one single agency with the definitive responsibility or tools to tackle this issue.
“Partnership working will therefore be essential to establishing the best approach to address unique local circumstances.”