Smoking in parks is 'discouraged'

Smoking is being discouraged in children's play parks

Smokers who light up in public parks on Teesside are being targeted in an effort to get them to quit the habit.

Middlesbrough Council is erecting "No Smoking" signs at every park and play area in the town.

The authority has already banned smoking in all council-managed and owned buildings, land outside these buildings and in council vehicles.

The move is supported by Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust, which has declared anti-smoking campaigns a top priority.

Brenda Thompson, the council's executive member for health and social care said: "We are working closely with the Middlesbrough Primary Care Trust to reduce the number of smokers in Middlesbrough.

"This is a top priority for both organisations and is vital if we are to improve the health of local people.

"Smoking harms health, and over the past decade we have supported a range of innovative measures to discourage and reduce smoking."

Bob Kerr, executive member responsible for play areas, added: "The new signs will give visitors to play areas a clear message about the dangers of smoke from a child's point of view.

"Making Middlesbrough a smoke free town is an aspiration held by many people, and this shows how important it is to protect young people from harmful smoke."