Cwmbran's still smoking - council ready to act

Torfaen Council is warning recalcitrant public smokers in Cwmbran that there's a crackdown on the way.

Despite over 100 warnings, 10 fines and two successful prosecutions by Torfaen Council since Smoking Laws were introduced in April 2007, members of the public are still ignoring smoking laws the council says.

As a result of a rise in complaints from concerned members of public, officers will again be visiting Cwmbran Town Centre this week with the support of Cwmbran Shopping Management and Gwent Police to make sure members of the public are not smoking in covered areas of Town Centre including car parks and the Bus Station.

Any person found smoking in any of these 'smoke-free' areas may be issued with a £50 fine, which will be reduced to £30 if payment is made within 15 days.

Executive member for Planning and Public Protection Councillor Gwyneira Clark said: "Whilst a majority of the public have accepted the introduction of the smoking laws in April 2007, there are still a small amount of people who have chosen to continue to smoke in covered areas of Cwmbran Town Centre, putting other people's health at risk from second hand smoke. We hope that by carrying out high visibility patrols and informing people in advance of our visit that this will act as a strong reminder, without the need for fines to be handed out."