Stockport Council is encouraging residents to have their say on proposals to determine if the public would support the adoption of a Smokefree policy in Play Areas in Stockport parks and other Council owned play areas.

Children learn through example and evidence suggests that those who live in an environment where the adults smoke are more likely to try and start smoking themselves. The aim of Smokefree Play Areas is to reduce the places where children are exposed to second-hand smoke and make smoking less common in places where children go.

The Code would be voluntary and would not be legally enforceable, however it requests that people refrain from smoking around children in an environment that is designed for them.

Cllr John Pantall, Executive Member for Independence and Wellbeing at Stockport Council said: “As a Council we are committed to protecting children from exposure to smoking and reducing the number of young people who take up the habit.

“We are always looking for new ways in which to support this and one idea we want to investigate is the introduction of Smokefree Play Areas.

“I would encourage all local residents to have their say on the proposals, in order that we can gauge your opinions and see whether this is an idea the people of Stockport support.”

Residents can have their say by visiting the Council’s website; www.stockport.gov.uk/haveyoursay and completing the online questionnaire.

The consultation will run until 26^th October.

For more information about quitting smoking visit: www.stockport.gov.uk/stopsmoking