Stub it out where children play out

Smoking around play areas has been banned by Rochdale Borough Council, Ruth Bardsley, Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Jacqui Evans, Susan Emmott, Walter Lomax, Councillor Carol Wardle and Mayor of Rochdale Councilllor Peter Rush

1 More Image(s) In Gallery

Smokers are being asked to stop lighting up their cigarettes in all the playgrounds in the borough in a bid to reduce children’s exposure to second hand smoke.

A smoke-free playground scheme is being introduced across the borough’s 54 fenced and partially-fenced play areas to ensure children can enjoy playing outside in areas that are free from tobacco smoke and not littered with cigarette butts.

It is hoped that the initiative will also help prevent young people from starting smoking by de-normalising the addiction, as well as making children's playgrounds a nicer and cleaner place for families to visit.

The installation of the first smoke free play area sign, at Queens Park in Heywood, was attended by the Mayor of Rochdale Peter Rush, Councillor Jacqui Beswick, Public Health Officer Ruth Bardsley, Senior Health Information Officer Jacqui Evans and Walter Lomax, chairman of the Friends of Queen’s Park.

Councillor Beswick, Cabinet Member for Place and Regulation, said: "It is excellent news that the Council is taking a stand to encourage adults not to smoke in areas where children are playing, in recognition of the impact their smoking can have on our children.

“The borough’s children and young people have a right to play and meet with their friends in a clean environment, free from the dangers of second hand smoke and also cigarette litter.”

The remaining smoke-free play area signs will be placed in play areas throughout the borough within the next few weeks.

At a meeting of the Children’s Primary School Council in September 2011, attended by 60 representatives of all primary schools, the youngsters unanimously agreed that they would like for there to be no smoking in playgrounds within the borough. Consultation has taken place with pupils who attend the High School Council meetings, who also proposed playgrounds should be free from swearing and anti-social behaviour.