All Islington playgrounds set to go smokefree

Islington Council has announced plans to make all playgrounds in the borough smokefree, on the eve of national No Smoking Day (11 March).

Following a successful pilot scheme in three playgrounds last year, the council’s executive is set to approve plans to extend the smokefree initiative to all play areas in Islington.

Parents are asked to be considerate to young users of all 147 park playgrounds and estate play areas and not smoke in these areas where kids are running about.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport said, “Our pioneering pilot scheme has had incredible support from our residents.

“The huge majority of people agree that playgrounds should be smokefree. Making smoking less visible, including in our playgrounds, is an important part of stopping children and young people taking up smoking and protecting them from the effects of secondary smoke.

“We are now extending the smokefree scheme to all play areas in Islington and asking adults to do the responsible thing and avoid smoking in our parks where children and young people – who don’t have a choice about this - are playing.”

During the pilot scheme, which started in September 2014, almost 200 park users were asked their views on the smokefree proposals, and an overwhelming majority (94%) stated they were in favour of playgrounds being smokefree.

If you smoke and are looking to quit, access free help and support at www.smokefreeislington.nhs.uk.

The executive is expected to approve the smokefree playgrounds scheme at its meeting on Thursday.

Notes to editors:

In the photos:
• Councillor Claudia Webbe, Islington Council's Executive Member for Environment;
• Marina Chrysou, Smokefree Project Officer from NHS Whittington Health;
• Rebecca Kouyoumjian, a local resident with her children Joseph (7yrs old), Lara (3) and Haig (3)