A smoking ban could be on the way for playgrounds.

Calderdale Council is considering a complete smoking ban on all its 119 play areas.

It will mean parents taking their children to play on the swings and slides will not be able to light up.

The council is anxious to take action as a report says smoking is the leading cause of preventable death and disease, accounting for around 100,000 deaths a year. For every death caused by smoking approximately 20 smokers are suffering from a smoking-related disease.

A spokesman said: “The council is committed to reducing smoking prevalence in Calderdale, and as part of this commitment is looking at innovative ways to raise the profile of the harm caused by smoking to our communities.

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“A consultation was launched in January to get local views about smoke-free playgrounds. Almost 1,000 people took part, with 90% agreeing with the idea.

“Research was also carried out in Calderdale parks, children’s centres, parent and toddler groups and primary schools with 97% of respondents saying they would support encouraging people not to smoke in children’s play areas and 78% said they would be more likely to visit smoke-free play areas.”

Calderdale will look to follow places where the scheme has already a success, like France and Australia, as well as cities closer to home like Sheffield and Leeds.

Wellholme Park in Brighouse.

Smoking in family friendly places such as playgrounds, creates the impression that it is a harmless activity, but the reality is that tobacco kills about 350 people a year in Calderdale.

The proposed scheme would also contribute to reducing litter in the borough. The council spends approximately £1.6 million every year on maintaining public open spaces. Cigarette butts also take up to 12 years to biodegrade and pose a danger to children and animals.

Clr Simon Young said: “Banning smoking in playgrounds would help continue our commitment to making Calderdale smoke-free, as well as helping to decrease cigarette litter.

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“Children and young people deserve to be protected from the influence and dangers of second hand smoke and children’s playgrounds are key areas, as this is where many spend their time.”

Members will look at the proposal of introducing smoke-free playgrounds at the meeting of Calderdale Council’s Cabinet on Monday.

Playgrounds affected include:

Barkisland Recreation Ground, Scammonden Road; Chapel Street, North View; Clay House, Rochdale Road; Greetland Recreation Ground, Rochdale Road; Jagger Green Lane, New Road;

Shaw Park, Shaw Lane; Sowood, Park Lane; Stainland Recreation Ground, Stainland Road. Boxhall Road; Hullen Edge Park; James Street; Kinnard Close, Woodlands Road; Park Road; Whitwell Green, Ainley Top, St Anne’s Avenue, Bramston Street; Burnsall Road; Carr Green, Carr Green Lane; Clifton Recreation Ground, Towngate; Finkil Street Recreation Ground; George Street; Lane Head, Garden Road;

Oaklands, Rastrick; Smith House Estate, Smith House Avenue; Thornton Road; Victoria Road, Bailiff Bridge; Wellholme Park, Bradford Road; Whinney Hill Estate; Whinney Hill Park, Bradford Road Woodhouse Lane Recreation Ground, Woodhouse Lane.