CHILDREN'S PLAY AREAS TO BE MADE SMOKE-FREE ACROSS NORTH EAST LINCOLNSHIRE

                                                                 

Stub it out! Cllr Swinburn (left) and Cllr Shreeve 

PLAY areas across North East Lincolnshire are going smoke-free as part of efforts to create a world free from tobacco in order to foster a healthier environment for children.

At the behest of North East Lincolnshire Council, signage to this effect is now being installed.

The authority reckons that smoke-related harm, such as illness, costs approaching £3.9-million a year.

The initiaative is being encouraged by the Government which has an ambition of making smoking obsolete by 2030.

Says Cllr Stan Shreeve, NELC's portfolio holder for health: "I think this is an overwhelmingly positive move. 

"We consulted members of the public on this issue, and there was strong support - 98 per cent of people who responded to our consultation agreed with the idea.

"This included smokers as well as non-smokers across different age groups.

"Children and young people should be able to play with their friends in an environment free from smoke, and I am optimistic that this move will help ensure that happens."

Agrees Cllr Stewart Swinburn, NELC's portfolio holder for environment: "Our public spaces should be places where everyone can enjoy, without the risk of breathing in harmful second-hand smoke.

"Seeing somebody else smoking can be a very powerful visual cue, and this can trigger cravings in former smokers and those trying to quit. 

"It also normalises the practice. 

"By removing this from our play areas, we are hoping to make smoking less of a common practice in front of young children."

NELC has not said whether there will be sanctions for those who disregard the ban, nor whether the restriction applies to vaping.