SMOKING in children’s playgrounds across the borough could be banned if plans are given the green light by a Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council committee.

The community, environment and partnerships committee will discuss plans to dissuade people from smoking in and around children’s play areas at a meeting on Wednesday evening.

Officers at the borough council have investigated how other local authorities have implemented projects to try and stop people smoking in play areas and have taken inspiration from schemes in Cheshire and Merseyside.

The successful schemes have not been enforced by law but the councils have created a voluntary code of practice around playgrounds.

Schoolchildren have also got in the action by designing signs that have been placed at playgrounds to promote the scheme.

A report to the committee says: “We have been approached by residents who feel that given that we ban glass, dogs, bikes and litter from children’s play parks, it is shocking that cigarettes are not included on this list.

“They feel that there are demonstrable, scientifically proven damages to passive smoking, particularly among children, and the lack of a ban on smoking in children’s play areas is ultimately a failure to protect our youth.”

The meeting, which is being held at the council offices in London Road, will begin at 6.30pm.