I was recently reminded of previous efforts on the part of myself and a ward member to address the issue of individuals smoking in children’s play areas.

I have previously been faced with reticence on the part of the district council to tackle this problem, mainly due to issue of signage and policing.

I trust now we have entered the era of a unitary Wiltshire Council, strap line “Where everybody matters”, all parties will be more open and expedient in implementing a smoking ban.

However, in the short term I am issuing a plea to Wiltshire residents to curb smoking in children’s play areas and to recognise the example they are setting to our younger generation.

Not only could we look forward to public space free of discarded cigarette butts, but also an end to bizarre sights such as a registered childminder handing sandwiches to her wards while she blew smoke in their faces.

When I questioned whether such an action was appropriate her baffled response was: “If it’s not your child, why do you care?”

Cllr Andrew Bryant

Trowbridge Town Council

Halfway Close

Trowbridge