Thanet District Council, in partnership with Kent County Council (KCC) and One You Kent, will introduce smoke free areas across the district.
This activity is part of KCCs new ‘Smokefree Spaces’ campaign, which aims to deter people from smoking in public places and from vaping around children and young people. The smoke-free areas will be located in public parks and play areas, high streets and outside schools.
Smokefree Spaces is part of the council’s response to the government’s Stop the Start campaign, which aims to help create a smoke-free generation. Recent data has shown that over 80% of smokers started before the age of 20, with many starting much younger.
To protect the health of children and young people, Thanet’s smoke-free areas will be introduced in children’s play areas at the following parks:
- Jubilee Play Park, Birchington
- Dane Park, Hartsdown Park Play Area and Jubilee Play Park in Margate
- St Peter’s Recreation Ground, Broadstairs
- Boundary Park, Ramsgate
- Princess Margaret Avenue Play Area, Newington
The first smoke-free areas will be introduced in Boundary Park in Ramsgate, and in a section of Ramsgate High Street, between Harbour Street and Meeting Street.
Each participating local authority is responsible for designing its own signs, to let residents know where the smoke-free areas are. Thanet District Council is organising free workshops for schools and local people to help design the signs for Ramsgate High Street and the seven play parks. The chosen signs will be displayed at the designated smoke-free locations across the district.
Workshops to design the signs for Ramsgate High Street and Boundary park have taken place, with a further drop-in event as follows:
- Wednesday 19 February, 10am to 12pm at Finsbury Court Lounge, Finsbury Road, Ramsgate CT11 7NB
Advice on stopping smoking or vaping will be available from professional partners. There is no requirement to book places in advance. Further workshops will be scheduled to design the signs for the smokefree locations across the district.
Cllr Heather Keen, Cabinet Member for Community, said: “We know now that exposure to secondhand smoke can cause quite a range of health issues. It can be especially harmful for children and young people, who can develop breathing problems, asthma and allergies.
“The Smokefree Spaces project will help to reduce the amount of secondhand smoke that children are exposed to, and we hope will discourage young people from taking up smoking or vaping in the first place.”
A smoke-free event will happen at each location later this year, with free advice for anyone looking for support to stop smoking or vaping.
In addition, free weekly drop in advice workshops will be held at Discovery Planet, 47 High Street, Ramsgate, from Monday 3 March, between 3pm and 5pm.
You can find out more about KCCs Smokefree Spaces on their website.
One You Kent provides advice on giving up smoking and vaping. You can find out more on their website.
