A new public consultation has been launched for residents of Greater Manchester to share their views on proposals for outdoor smoke-free spaces in the city-region.

The consultation invites residents, community groups and local businesses to have their say on the plans after health organisations announced last month that they were working on creating more smoke-free spaces in the region.

The initiative hopes to protect more people from the harm of tobacco and to prevent younger generations from picking up the habit.

The city-region joined the Partnership for Healthy Cities, which provided a grant of £79,000 for the plans, in creating several outdoor spaces with a prohibition on smoking in a bid to become healthier and greener while also challenging societal attitudes around smoking.

What this means is that people will be asked to refrain from smoking in these designated zones which could apply to parks, green spaces, children’s play areas, high streets, town squares and areas within the immediate vicinity of a school or public building.

The public consultation has been launched this week to seek the views of locals on the plans and what places they’d most like to see become smoke-free and will be open for all to participate up until September 11.

Following the results of the consultation, the plans will be finalised in autumn with the first new smoke-free space expected by the end of the year.

The first phase of the project will be delivered by Manchester City Council and NHS Greater Manchester Integrated Care, on behalf of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership.

Paul Dennett, chair of Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership Board and deputy mayor for Greater Manchester, said:  “Across Greater Manchester there are already plenty of outdoor smoke-free spaces that have been introduced by local authorities, schools and community groups.

“The people of Greater Manchester now have the opportunity to have their say on our plans to introduce more smoke-free spaces for everyone to enjoy.

“As it stands, places in Greater Manchester have some of the highest smoking rates in the country and this initiative is part of our important work to make smoking history, to improve the health and wellbeing of our population and prevent younger generations from ever starting smoking and getting hooked on a deadly addiction.

“We know that extending smoke-free outdoor spaces already has significant support from local people.

"Consultations carried out in 2018 showed us that 8 out of 10 people thought it was a good idea – with areas of most concern including children’s playgrounds, school entrances and outside public libraries and town halls.” 

Ariella Rojhani, director of the Partnership for Healthy Cities, added: “We applaud Greater Manchester for creating an opportunity for residents to help ensure the spaces they use every day will be smoke-free.

"Through this work, Greater Manchester is building a legacy as a city-region that cares deeply about health and wellbeing, not just now but well into the future.”

To share your views, go to www.makesmokinghistory.co.uk/get-involved/smokefree-spaces/ to take part in the online survey.

Those who complete the survey by Sunday, September 11, will be entered into a prize draw to win a £100 Amazon voucher.