Nominate smoke free zones
Published
Monday 27 January, 2025
Updated
Monday 27 January, 2025
Have your say on where new smoke free areas will be created across Swale.
Swale Borough Council are working with Kent County Council (KCC) to deliver a series of Smoke Free Public Spaces across the borough.
The initiative aims to reduce second-hand smoke exposure by outlawing smoking in public spaces and educating smokers about the harm caused to both them and those around them when they smoke.
In 2023 13.4% of people aged over 18 were current smokers in Swale which is higher than England’s average of 11.6%, with Swale having a respiratory disease mortality rate higher than the national average.
Pregnant women who were smoking at the time of delivery is also higher than the national average at 9.1% compared to 7.4% for the whole of England.
The council want to hear from residents who live and work in the borough to find where Smoke Free Spaces are most needed.
Locations these smoke free zones could be implemented in include: play areas, train stations, bus stops, leisure centres, multi storey car parks and outside libraries, schools and hospitals.
The project will not only improve public health by supporting both smokers and non-smokers to live healthier lives, but also improve Swale’s air quality and, with less cigarette butts being discarded, reduce litter.
Cllr Angela Harrison, chair of the council’s Housing and Health Committee, said:
“We will be working over the next few months to implement smoke free areas across the borough and want to hear where you think they are most needed.
“Smoking and vaping can lead to many health issues and whilst smokers may know these risks, not everyone understands the serious impacts second hand smoke can have on people too.
“Introducing these zones near schools, play areas and other public places will reduce risks to non-smokers, help reduce litter and improve our borough’s air quality while promoting services to help people quit.
“Please take a couple of minutes to complete our survey and help us shape these smoke free areas in Swale.”
Find out more and have your say here: https://swale.gov.uk/your-council/consultations/smoke-free-spaces
This project received grant funding of £10,000 from Kent County Council’s Kent Stop Smoking Service Support Grant, and will also promote KCC.
Kent County Council delivers a Stop Smoking Service as part of its holistic healthy lifestyle service, One You Kent (OYK).
Swale Borough Council’s smoke free area project will promote this service which supports around 2,800-3,000 people a year to quit smoking.
Get help quitting here: http://www.kent.gov.uk/smokefree
