THE leader of the council is urging the public to get behind new laws that will ban cigarette vending machines and the use of enticing multi-coloured displays in shops.

Councillor Alan Taylor started smoking when he was 15 and it took him 25 years to kick the habit.

The government's proposals for new tobacco control laws were recently supported by MPs and now go to public consultation before they are finally made law.

Since the advertising ban in 2002, evidence shows that the tobacco industry has instead invested in promotional displays of tobacco in shops.

And there is evidence these promotional activities encourage children to start smoking.

Councillor Taylor said: "I was addicted, ask my friends. Although if I can quit anyone can, it would have been much better if I hadn't been able to get hold of cigarettes in the first place. Preventing children getting addicted will produce a huge improvement in health long-term. Especially in our borough where death rates from cancer and heart disease are so high."

He added: "Our local research also shows young people can use vending machines to buy cigarettes they can't get over the counter. During test purchases in July and August, we found underage volunteers aged 15 and 16 were able to illegally buy cigarettes from vending machines in almost half the pubs they visited.  So I'm right behind anything that makes it more difficult for young people to start smoking and helps smokers who are trying to quit and urge young people, parents and businesses to make their views known, and help stem the tide of new recruits to a habit that results in disease and death."

It is estimated that 28 per cent of adults in the borough still smoke, however last year 1,820 people quit.

The public can give feedback on the proposed regulations by visiting www.dh.gov.uk  and looking for 'The consultation on proposed tobacco control regulations for England (under the Health Bill 2009).'

Young people who want to get involved locally can join the Anti-Tobacco Youth Campaign. Visit the website www.roycastle.org/atyc  or contact 924 225.