SMOKERS and businesses from Saffron Walden and its surrounding villages will be able to take advantage of a Smoking Roadshow when it hits town next month. It will be part of a series of informative shows being launched by Uttlesford District Council desig

SMOKERS and businesses from Saffron Walden and its surrounding villages will be able to take advantage of a Smoking Roadshow when it hits town next month.

It will be part of a series of informative shows being launched by Uttlesford District Council designed to spread the word on the smoking ban that comes into force in England on July 1.

Lisa Lipscombe, UDC's health promotion officer, said: "The aim of the roadshow is to give as much information about the ban to absolutely anyone who wants to know more about it.

"As we approach the July 1 smoking ban start date, it is important we get as much information out to as many people as possible. There are a lot of people who are unsure as to exactly how the ban will affect them."

The roadshow will include an information centre that will be setting up at locations that will be manned by a variety of people who can give their expert advice on a wide range of smoking issues.

Among these experts will be Ray Lockett, West Essex Primary Care Trust stop smoking service co-ordinator for Uttlesford who will give advice about quitting the habit.

There will also be community liaison officers from Essex Fire and Rescue service who will also be dropping in to talk about the hazards and risks linked to smoking at home.

Free stress balls for those who think they might need an extra helping hand in coping will be one of the many things being given away to those who attend the roadshow.

"Many people are unsure when and where the ban will cover, for example, several restaurant owners I have spoken to were under the impression that, although smoking would be banned in the dining area, people would still be allowed to smoke in a separate bar area. This is not the case.

"If you have a smoking shelter, it has to be more than 50 per cent open to the air and there are also regulations on how these shelters can be put up, especially when it comes to listed buildings," added Mrs Lipscombe.

"However, businesses are not obliged to supply its customers or employees somewhere to go and smoke."

To find out more about the ban and its implications, contact Lisa Lipscombe on 01799 510 624 or e-mail llipscombe@

uttlesford.gov.uk

The first roadshow is on Tuesday, June 5, at Great Dunmow Market. It will then be visiting Thaxted Market on Friday June15; Tesco's store in Saffron Walden on Friday June 22; and Saffron Walden Market Place on Tuesday June 26. All of the roadshows will run between 9am and 4pm.