Play parks in Bearsden and Milngavie have become the latest green places in East Dunbartonshire to be designated 'smoke-free' with a strong message from local pupils to adults not to smoke where children play.
Since 2016, the East Dunbartonshire Tobacco Alliance has worked with hundreds of pupils to design signage for parks in Auchinairn, Baljaffray, Bishopbriggs, Harestanes, Lennoxtown, Milton of Campsie and Torrance to promote smoke-free play zones.
The latest project involved 200 P6 pupils from Killermont Primary, Mosshead Primary and St. Nicholas' Primary Schools in Bearsden and Clober Primary in Milngavie learning about the dangers of smoking and second-hand smoke and designing posters to promote smoke-free parks.
The winning design, by St. Nicholas' Primary pupils Kaitlin, Gabriela and Olivia, will soon feature on signage in 18 parks across Bearsden and Milngavie, letting smokers know that cigarettes are not welcome.
The striking artwork depicts a colourful scene of a busy, fun-filled play park where children ask 'Please keep our playpark smoke-free'.
The East Dunbartonshire Tobacco Alliance is a coalition of the following partners: the East Dunbartonshire HSCP, East Dunbartonshire Council, Police Scotland, the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, East Dunbartonshire Leisure and Culture Trust, East Dunbartonshire Voluntary Action and NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde.
Susan Manion, Chief Officer for East Dunbartonshire HSCP said, “We are proud to support the smoke free play parks initiative that supports children having a clean, safe and smoke free environment in which to play. By reducing children's exposure to tobacco smoke, we hope that in time smoking will no longer be seen as a ‘normal’ activity in today's society.”
Joint Council Leader, Andrew Polson helped unveil the new signs and added, “The aim of this project, working with older pupils in primary schools is to create a culture now and for the future that recognises the harm that smoking can do. It's about trying to provide clean air spaces for all and promote healthy lifestyles.”
"Children want to enjoy the outdoors in the fresh air. The signage they have designed is a reminder to grown-ups to help them do that by keeping harmful smoke out of the picture."
There are 67 play areas in East Dunbartonshire and by 2021, all will be smoke-free as work will begin in Kirkintilloch and Lenzie next year.
* Joint Leader Cllr Andrew Polson is pictured with pupils from St. Nicholas' Primary
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