With an earnest aim to protect children's health, Blackpool has declared thirteen parks and open spaces `smoke-free' areas.

Signs will be erected at the entrances to the thirteen parks and playing grounds to advise the public not to smoke in the areas. The bill for the signs to be installed will be borne by Blackpool NHS.

Health chiefs are supporting the move, saying it was necessary to discourage smoking in playgrounds and protect kids from the dangers of tobacco.

The initiative by Blackpool NHS is backed by the town's council, but it can not be legally enforced without a specific by-law.

Taylor said they would wait and see what the public's reaction on the initiative, but he added that he thought that most people would welcome the move.

Chairman Ivan Taylor, of Blackpool's Health & Wellbeing Board, said, "Smoking is a killer and we need to do all we can to discourage it."

But, many opposed the move. Gary Pennington, chairman of the Friends of Highfield Park, said that the money to be spent on signs could be better spent elsewhere. He described the move as "outrageous."