Concern at increase in younger smokers

One in four new smokers across South Staffordshire is aged between 16 and 24-years-old, a new survey has revealed.

Across Stafford, Cannock and Lichfield the number of young people taking up the habit has been described by health bosses as "considerable".

Now South Staffordshire Primary Care Trust has declared it will step up its efforts to get more people to quit the habit and has thrown its weight behind a new law banning the display of tobacco products.

In a recent survey conducted by the PCT the overall number of people smoking in the area has fallen, but there was a considerable increase in the take up of smoking among younger people with one in four new smokers aged between 16 and 24-years-old.

The survey also indicated that one in six young people aged 14 to 15-years-old were regular smokers.

The PCT has now pledged its support for a new law that it claims will help to protect children and young people from the harms of tobacco.

The new Health Act 2009 means shops will no longer be allowed to display tobacco products and enables the prohibition of sales of tobacco from vending machines.

Dr Aliko Ahmed, interim director of public health at South Staffordshire PCT, said: "Smoking is one of the highest causes of ill health and death in our population.

"Currently over 1,300 people die prematurely across the Staffordshire area as a result of being addicted to smoking – far more deaths than from road traffic accidents, suicide, falls, alcohol and drug abuse figures combined.

"We are committed to working with residents from South Staffordshire and partner organisations to strengthen tobacco control to protect children and young people from the harm caused by smoking."

South Staffordshire PCT is one of the largest PCTs in the country.

It serves a population of approximately 615,000 and employs just over 2,000 staff and has a turnover of £867 million.