To mark a year since the Smokefree England legislation was
introduced (July 1 2007) Bath & North East Somerset Council and
Bath and North East Somerset Primary Care Trust (PCT) teamed
up for a roadshow.
The PCT’s stop smoking team and the Council’s litter team was
outside the Guildhall on Monday 30 June and will be at the Royal
United Hospital on Tuesday 1 July. The PCT team is offering
advice to those who want to stop smoking and the Council
team is encouraging smokers to dispose of the cigarette butts
carefully.
One of the Council's eight priorities is to improve and protect
public spaces, and since the Smokefree legislation came into force
the Council has been working with local businesses to cut down the
number of cigarette butts that are left on the streets. The
roadshow is hoped to encourage all smokers to stop and think about
how they dispose of their cigarette ends. A bag containing butts
that were picked up from one Bath road in just one
morning was on display, and is pictured. Smokers are also
able to get free "ButtsOut" containers.
Councillor Charles Gerrish said: "Where there have been
instances of butts being found on the streets, the Council has
worked with local businesses, encouraging them to put smoking bins
outside their premises. There are also plans to add new attachments
onto bins across Bath. The Council is committed to keeping our
public spaces clean, tidy and looking their very best. I hope this
event will raise awareness of the support that is available to stop
smoking, and encourage smokers to think twice before dropping
litter in the street."
Andrew Cooper, City Centre Manager, commented: "Visiting a clean
city is very much like visiting a clean restaurant or shop - if it
is clean - the experience is more enjoyable and you want to come
back again. This is just one of the reasons why it so important for
everyone to do their bit to keep our streets looking
clean and tidy. People are less likely to drop litter on a clean
street. The new attachments on the bins will remind everyone not to
drop cigarette butts on the ground. It is the aim of Future Bath
Plus to work in Partnership with the Council to keep the streets
clean, safe and friendly."
A range of support services is provided by the PCT to help
people of all ages to quit.
Ruth Lander, Stop Smoking Specialist Advisor, Bath and North
East Somerset Primary Care Trust says: "Many people want to stop
smoking, but just don’t know how, or they try to stop smoking on
their own. Those who come along to the roadshows next week can find
out more about the range of support available. Expert help is
freely available from the NHS and because we are a local service
the chances are that a one to one appointment, drop in clinic or
group based session is available just around the corner.
"Ultimately stopping smoking is the greatest single thing that
anybody can do to improve their health and prevent themselves from
illness and disease, it’s not an easy task, but with the right help
and support it can be achieved and you can get off cigarettes for
good."
Smokers who want to break the habit, or anyone who wants to help
someone else to give up smoking, can find out more by calling the
Bath and North East Somerset Stop Smoking Service on 01225
831852.
