THE debate over whether to ban smoking in public places has been hotting up with more than 200 Swindon people getting their voices heard in the national debate.
The six-week Big Smoke Debate was launched on May 24 and asked people to give their views on whether enclosed public places, such as restaurants, pubs and shopping centers, should become smoke-free.
To date 5,777 on-line questionnaires have been completed and about 5,500 postcards returned across the South West.
Initial returns show that a majority of people support smoke-free enclosed public places.
The full results will be available in September and will be discussed with regional and national policy makers.
Swindon PCT smoking cessation service coordinator Karen Shirley is delighted with the response and is urging more people to take part before the debate ends on July 12.
"The consultation is not about whether people should smoke, it is about where smoking should be allowed," she said. Karen's team offers services to help people who want to quit. Contact her on 0800 389 2229.
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