Playtime is over for smokers, following a ban on lighting up in Islington playgrounds.The council introduced the measures last month at King Square Gardens, in Finsbury, with a family fun day offering free health checks for adults while children enjoyed themed games. No-smoking posters have gone up near parks to discourage young people from taking up the habit and to cut health risks posed by secondhand smoke. Councillor Claudia Webbe says the council will be extending the ban to play areas on council housing estates.She explained: “It is not right to make children breathe in secondhand smoke. This drive is designed to reduce their exposure to it at a young age.“We found smokers responded well during the pilot.”The move comes ahead of new legislation banning adults from smoking in cars carrying children, with a £50 fine for those found guilty.

• Keywords
  TOBACCO SMOKING, PLAYGROUNDS, LEGISLATION
• Geographical keyword
  KING SQUARE GARDENS
• Persons keyword
  Claudia Webbe