A VOLUNTARY smoking ban is being launched in children’s play areas across Surrey. The scheme will rely on the goodwill of people using them and will be supported by signs featuring artwork by local children.

It has been launched by boroughs and districts with the help of Surrey County Council’s public health team after national No Smoking Day, which took place on March 9. Smokefree zones cover fenced off areas containing kids’ play equipment. They do not include parks and open spaces.

Councillor Helyn Clack said: “Playgrounds should be places where children can enjoy healthy physical activity and this is all about discouraging young people from taking up a habit that ruins far too many lives.

“In Surrey alone more than 1,400 people a year die from medical conditions related to cigarettes.”