PA
A local authority in the East Midlands has introduced a no smoking policy near its school gates as well as in its playgrounds.
Nottingham City Council said it put the ban in place to protect children from the effects of smoking and reduce the uptake of cigarette use.
Although the policy is not enforceable by the law, the authority said it wanted people to comply.
Councillor Eunice Campbell, from Nottingham City Council, told the BBC the ban was supported by parents: "Parents do not want their children to be exposed to smoking or to take up the habit. We hope that they will support this initiative."
However, the pro-smoking group Forest (Freedom Organisation for the Right to Enjoy Smoking Tobacco) condemned the move and said it was "heavy handed".
Forest director Simon Clark said an adult's choice to smoke was nothing to do with the council: "It is not the business of a local council to tell adults how to behave. There is no evidence of a health risk to children from smoking in the open air."
Nottingham City Council will put up no-smoking signs made by pupils around playgrounds from today, and also make them available for other schools in the area to put on their gates.
Other local authorities who adopt a smoke-free playground policy are Halton Borough Council in Cheshire, and Pendle Borough Council in Lancashire.
What do you think?
Does your school have a smoke-free playground/school gate policy?
Are people allowed to smoke in your local council playground?
Would you support one?