WE shared the news Cumberland Council’s executive committee approved plans to move towards a ‘smoke-free Cumberland’.

The plans are part of a new scheme in what was described as their ‘first major public health initiative.’

A report delivered to the committee at a meeting in Carlisle on April 25 by Cllr Martin Harris said 11.1 per cent (30,000) of Cumberland residents are regular smokers, and approximately 10 per cent of mothers are smokers when they have a baby.

A national review said all areas should seek to become ‘smoke-free’ by 2030, which would require a reduction to just 5 per cent of residents being smokers.

Here's what our readers said.

Rachel Sharp said: "I'm all for this plan. The exponential rise in teenagers vaping, quickly becoming addicted and damaging their still growing lungs along with affecting blood pressure and the heart is really worrying.

"Something needs to be done about the marketing. Sweet flavours and colourful packaging clearly aimed at young teens whatever the suppliers say."

Shaun Patrick Watson said: "Raise the cost and increase no-smoking areas," while John Atkinson said: "I hope this includes e-cigarettes."

Denise Poland commented: "It's people's choice, are they going to ban alcohol and drugs too. People will not be controlled, look how many pubs suffered when smoking was banned."

One web user said: "Why should 90 per cent of local taxpayers have to pay for something that is a legal choice for a tiny minority. Cumberland could use this £600,000 of tax on potholes, social care or reduced taxes."