From the left: Lily Pratlett, Alfie Diggory, Pat Wildenhain and Keith Hartigan Ref: 77298-19A SMOKING ban at a Walcot old people's home has left elderly residents angry. And now they are calling for the council, which imposed the ban, to butt out saying that it has taken the community spirit out of the home.

Swindon Council introduced a ban on all of its 35 sheltered accommodation houses across the town on April 4.

Now no resident is allowed to smoke in shared areas, but they are still allowed to smoke in their rooms.

For old folks at George Selman Gardens, in Twyford Close, the smoking ban has turned the community lounges from focal meeting pointing to no-go zone, as people stay in their rooms to puff away.

Around three quarters of the 94 residents of the sheltered accommodation complex smoke.

The ban means that any resident who lights up where they shouldn't could face eviction.

It came into force after the council sent out a letter to all of its sheltered accommodation residents across the town asking them if they were for or against smoking in communal areas.

Resident Keith Hartigan, 63, who has lived there for 18 months, said: "We received the letter and I know that most of the residents were against the ban. We thought it was just for our home, not for the whole of Swindon, so we were really surprised when it was introduced.

"A lot of people now don't bother going down to the communal area, when before it used to be a hive of life.

"Smoking isn't illegal and we should be able to smoke where we live.

"We are all old enough to know the health implications, so the council should not treat us like children.

"I feel we are being used as guinea pigs as we can't kick up much of a fuss."

The council said the ban followed widespread consultation and strong support from the Tenants' Association For Shel-tered Housing.

Council spokesman Gavin Calthrop said: "We acknowledge that some adjustment will be necessary for residents who smoke however, the there will be significant benefit to other residents, especially those with respiratory conditions.

"The ban will also help the council comply with HSE guidance on passive smoking for employees.

"Smoking in wardens' offices also ceased from that date."

RON Breakspear, 66, has lived at George Selman Gardens for the past four years and thinks the ban is ridiculous.

He said: "To be honest, this ban is a right pain in the backside.

"Most of us smoke here, so it's really emptied out the communal areas, which can't be good for anyone."

Alan Wood, 72, supports the ban. He said: "Since the ban we've all been able to breathe fresh air. It's made a huge difference.

"Non-smokers are outnumbered in this home, and it is not fair on us to have to deal with passive smoking day in, day out.

"Now, the smokers are up and down like yo-yos when they need a cigarette standing just inside the door. I stopped coming down to the lounge because of all the smoke, but now I can."

Lily Pratlett, 73, has been a resident for 10 years. She said: "There's no community spirit in this place since they banned smoking.

"It is our choice on whether we want to smoke or not and we shouldn't be treated like children."

Non-smoker Alfie Diggory, 73, has never been bothered by people smoking.

"I think this ban has made this place like a ghost town and it should never have been introduced," he said..

"The consultation the council carried out did not fairly represent people's views here.

"We should be able to do something about it, but I know the council would never back down."