Smokers stubbed by first cigarette ban in public park

14 July 2009

By Mike Brooke

THE first ban on smoking in a public park comes into force in London’s East End on Monday.

Notices are going up this week warning of the ban starting July 20 in the children’s play area at Mile End Park.

The move follows figures released tonight showing record numbers of smokers in Tower Hamlets have managed to quit the habit in an area with one of Britain’s worst heart disease and cancer rates.

NHS Tower Hamlets has helped 2,300 smokers give up since January, beating last year’s total by nearly 300.

GIVING UP

Results from NHS London show the area exceeding its set annual target for 2009 with the third highest success rate in London.

It adds weight to campaigners who persuaded Tower Hamlets council to ban smoking in the children’s area at Mile End Park—the first local authority to outlaw smoking in an open public place.

The ban is aimed at preventing youngsters taking up the habit while protecting others from the effects of ‘passive’ smoking.

Tower Hamlets has one of the highest tobacco habits in the UK, with one-in-three adults addicted compared to the one-in-four national average.

The NHS ‘stop smoking’ service runs a helpline on 020-7364 5016.