A DECLARATION to move towards creating a smokefree society has been signed by Wiltshire Council.

Leader of the council Baroness Scott of Bybrook OBE joined hundreds of local authorities around the country in signing the Smokefree Declaration, committing the council to doing everything it can to reduce the impact of smoking on people’s health.

The document contains a number of specific clauses, including creating partnerships with local communities and organisations to move towards a smokefree generation.

Baroness Scott signed the declaration with corporate director Carlton Brand and the director for public health Tracy Daszkiewicz at the council.

Councillor Scott said: “The signing of this declaration is a statement of our determination to take action to protect our communities from the health issues caused by tobacco, and to highlight that is continues to be a priority for the council.

Last month the council agreed to make three council-owned buildings and car parks completely smokefree.

“We have made positive progress in recent years and the move to make our office hubs smokefree next year is the next step in showing our commitment,” she added.

“We are proud to be going smokefree and have dedicated support available for anyone wanting to quit smoking for good.”

Smoking remains the primary cause of preventable illness and premature deaths in the UK and is significantly associated with diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, known as COPD, various forms of cancer, coronary heart disease and stroke

It is estimated to contribute to more than 600 premature deaths in Wiltshire every year.

For people wanting to quit a dedicated health trainer team is offered through the council, for more go to wiltshire.gov.uk/public-health-trainers.