Plans for smoke free playgrounds

PLAYGROUNDS i n Dundee parks could be designated smoke free zones if a proposal is passed by councillors on Monday.

The policy and resources committee will be asked to back plans for a voluntary code to cover the popular outdoor areas.

Council leader John Alexander said: “This is a simple but effective way to keep smoke away from children as they play in our excellent parks.

“As a council, we are committed to making Dundee a better place for everyone and this includes the health and wellbeing of all our citizens.

“There has been a massive change in people’s perceptions about where it is appropriate to smoke in the last 12 years since the smoking ban was introduced in Scotland.

“We hope people will understand why we are doing this and will respect these playgrounds as much as they would places covered by no smoking legislation.”

The committee will be told that P5 children from across the city will take part in a competition to design a poster to advertise the smoke free zones.

It is hoped, following committee approval, the signs could be in place this spring.

Councillor Alexander added; “These smoke free zones would help to promote a healthier environment, where smoking was not normalised. I’d expect smokers would have to agree with what we are trying to achieve here.

“It would also mean children’s pay areas are cleaner as there is less chance of cigarette ends being discarded.”