THE city centre could soon become a no-go area for smokers if health chiefs get their way.

Councillors are to be given a presentation by Preston Primary Care Trust (PCT) on the effects of smoking, before considering the possibility of creating smoke-free zones across the city.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, executive member for environment and regeneration, is backing the move. She said: "This is about protecting employees from the dangers of second-hand smoking while they are work."

If councillors vote to press ahead with the plan then voluntary agreement by businesses will be sought, with pubs, clubs, and cafes likely to be the most affected.

Mrs Afrin said: "If we could not get voluntary agreement then I would be looking at getting a law to enforce smoke-free zones."

The move comes a week after councillors in Liverpool voted to promote a local Act of Parliament to ban smoking in public places.

Preston MP Mark Hendrick said: "It's now right and proper that we have the debate in the UK about whether smoking should be allowed in public places, as independent research has shown that even smokers are having more and more respect for those who do not smoke and do not wish to contribute to the ill health of others."

Maggi Morris, director of Preston PCT, said: "Our aim is to work with city partners such as the city council to take forward our policy of making public places in Preston smoke free."

Many places have already taken steps to stamp out smoking, including the Mall St George's, the Fishergate shopping centre and the indoor market.

Fishergate centre manager, Keith Mitchell, said the introduction of a smoking ban five years ago had run smoothly. "Pubs and clubs are different though and it would take some time to change people's attitudes and the culture of expecting to see smoking in a pub or a club," he said.

But not all businesses support the move.

Tony Cooper, manager of Browns bar in Glovers Court, said: "I can understand that this sort of thing might need to be in place for some venues, but we have more than enough air-conditioning units, so smoking does not affect our staff.

"We would not sign up to a voluntary agreement, there should be legislation about providing proper air-conditioning, not a ban on smoking.

"A ban on smoking would be unpoliceable. Our door staff have enough to do already without having to stop people from lighting up."

Julia Horn, manager of Preston and District Chamber of Trade, added: "I think it is inevitable really. It seems to have worked well in Dublin."

Three hundred and thirty-two people died in Preston in 2002 from tobacco related illnesses, and the cost to the NHS of treating diseases caused by smoking is estimated to be about £1.5 billion every year.

The issue will be discussed by the full council on December 2, when a notice of motion proposed by Coun Alan Valentine will be heard in support of the action taken by Liverpool and calling for the same in Preston.

If you want advice on giving up smoking call the PCT's stop smoking service on 01772 645616.

What do you think, should Preston become a smoke free city? Write to us with your views at 3 Winckley Court, Chapel Street, Preston, PR1 8BU.