More Teignbridge play parks go ‘smoke free’

Two play areas in Teignbridge have become the latest ‘smoke free’ zones in a bid to encourage residents and visitors to stub out smoking where children play.

Play areas in Hennock and Little Week Close, Dawlish join existing ones at The Den, Teignmouth, Courtenay Park and Decoy Country Park, both in Newton Abbot in trialling a smokefree code which asks that children be allowed to play in a smoke free environment.

Developed by Smokefree South West in partnership with Teignbridge District Council, the code includes eye-catching signs that were designed by children and will be put up at each play area to raise awareness of the issue. The signs are also a timely reminder as the annual Stoptober campaign gets underway, a 28-day national stop smoking challenge running throughout October.  

The aim of the no-smoking play zones is to help ‘de-normalise’ smoking as numerous studies show that children whose parents or siblings smoke are three times more likely to take up the habit. The Royal College of Physicians estimates that 23,000 young people in England and Wales start smoking by the age of 15 as a result of exposure to smoking in the home.

Teignbridge District Council places health at the heart of its new ten year strategy, with a commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of communities achieved through partnerships such as this.

Cllr George Gribble, Teignbridge District Council’s Executive for Recreation and Leisure said:

“We are proud to be taking a positive approach in discouraging smoking around children in our play areas. This not only contributes towards reducing the number of young people from Teignbridge who smoke but also helps reduce litter in our parks.

“In partnership with our neighbouring local authorities and the NHS, we are helping protect future generations across Teignbridge from taking up this unhealthy habit.”

Cllr Sylvia Russell, Teignbridge District Council Executive for Health and Wellbeing said:

“It is encouraging to see more towns and parishes supporting smoke-free play parks. The successful play park in Teignmouth has been smoke-free for over two years now thanks to the respect shown by parents who are sending out a strong message by supporting this scheme.”

Cllr Doug Hellier Laing, Teignbridge District Council’s ward member for Chudleigh said:

“I’m really pleased to see Hennock following the lead of other areas in the district and encouraging a healthy lifestyle. It’s important we support schemes such as these, which we hope will have a significant positive effect on the local community.”

Cllr Lisa Mayne, Teignbridge District Council’s ward member for Dawlish Central and North East said:

“It’s great news that we are seeing more parks becoming smoke free zones and this sends out a positive message that we are actively encouraging residents and visitors to stub out where children play. The health and wellbeing of our communities is something I am passionate about and I give my full backing to this initiative.”

Cllr Edward Hockin, Teignbridge District Council's ward member for Dawlish Central and North East said:

"I am happy to support this non-smoking area ban. It is common sense not to smoke around children, which most people accept and this will only effect a small number of inconsiderate people who put the health of our children at risk.

Cllr Graham Price, Teignbridge District Council's ward member for Dawlish Central and North East said:

"The health and wellbeing of our children is of paramount importance to us all. Removing the inherent risk of passive smoking in and around our play areas can only have a beneficial effect on their future."

The sign-up is backed by the Devon Health and Wellbeing Board which was established when Public Health transferred to Devon County Council.

People can register to receive a range of free support including stop smoking packs, a 28-day Stoptober App with daily updates and quitting advice, detailed tools and tips for coping, as well as the encouragement and support from thousands of people going through the same thing.

Over 8 million people in the country smoke. While smoking rates have declined over past decades, the rate of decline has slowed in recent years. Research has shown that if people can stop smoking for 28 days, they are five times more likely to stay quit.