We, the residents and users of People’s Park Children’s Playground, respectfully request that clear and visible “No Smoking / No Vaping” signage be installed at the playground.

This playground is a space specifically intended for children and families, where children should be able to play, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in a clean, healthy, and safe environment.

It is extremely concerning that, despite extensive evidence-based public health advice and NHS awareness campaigns about the harmful effects of smoking and second-hand smoke, some adults continue to smoke in the playground and in the presence of children and babies.

There also appears to be a misconception among some parents and caregivers that vaping around children is acceptable. When other playground users ask individuals not to smoke or vape near children, these requests can sometimes lead to confrontation or aggressive behaviour. Clear official signage from the Council would help establish the expected standard of behaviour without placing parents, carers, or other members of the public in the uncomfortable position of having to confront individuals themselves.

Smoking in and around the play area can expose children, babies, parents, and carers to second-hand smoke. Discarded cigarette ends also create litter and can present a potential hazard to young children.

Installing prominent “No Smoking / No Vaping” signs would help to:

Protect children and babies from exposure to second-hand smoke.
Discourage both smoking and vaping within the children’s playground.
Reduce cigarette litter and discarded cigarette ends.
Promote a cleaner, healthier, and more family-friendly environment.
Provide clear guidance to all playground users about acceptable behaviour.
Reduce the likelihood of confrontation between playground users by making the Council’s expectations clear.
Reinforce that a children’s playground should be a smoke-free and vape-free environment.

We therefore respectfully ask the Council to install appropriate “No Smoking / No Vaping” signage at People’s Park Children’s Playground as soon as possible.

Children and babies should be able to enjoy a designated play area without unnecessary exposure to smoking or vaping, and parents and carers should not have to personally challenge individuals in order to maintain a healthy environment.

Thank you for supporting our campaign and for helping to provide a clean, healthy, safe, and welcoming environment for our children and babies.