Hastings top spot for smoking-related deaths in county

A shocking 30 per cent of deaths in over 35s are smoking-related '” the main cause of premature death in the area.

More than 27,000 people smoke in Hastings and St Leonards, one third of the population, a depressing figure which also tops the county.

And the demon weed is snaring residents from an early age, especially girls.

A survey of 14 and 15-year-olds revealed 32 per cent of girls had a cigarette in the last seven days, compared to half as many boys.

The figures, released this week by the Health Development Agency, found more than 1,600 people in England died each week as a result of smoking - one in two regular smokers. Around 62 per cent were men, 38 per cent women.

The greatest number of deaths from smoking-related diseases occurred in the UKs poorest areas, with the highest proportion in Liverpool, at 43 per cent.

The Hastings figures compared with 24 per cent in Bexhill and Rother - the second lowest figure nationally, and Eastbourne's 26 per cent.

Experts claim poor people are less likely to give up and also have bad housing and diets, which can make health problems worse.

The report says health professionals in

poorer areas can be overworked and patients may receive weaker standards of care.

But the harrowing statistics could soon be sliced, with the news smoking could be banned in every cafe, restaurant and most pubs in England within a few years.

Under plans unveiled in a government White Paper this week, most enclosed public areas, including offices and factories would also be smoke-free.

Only private clubs, where members vote to allow smoking, and pubs which do not serve food would be exempt.

Debate has raged over a possible ban on smoking in public places in Hastings since council leader Jeremy Birch ignited the issue in August.

Darren Rapley, marketing manager at the White Rock Theatre said: "These shocking figures highlight the reason that more businesses should become smoke-free.

"We took this brave step two weeks ago and not only have the bars become a cleaner area to relax in, early indicators show ticket and beverage sales are increasing."

The Healthy Hastings Partnership, a joint Primary Care Trust and council initiative, was planning to liaise with businesses in the new year to discuss a ban in workplaces.

A spokesman from the Hastings and St Leonards Primary Care Trust said: "Our aim is to help 1,715 people quit smoking by the end of March 2006, and we welcome the government's White Paper, which sets out a strategy to reduce the number of smokers."