REFORMED smoker councillor Jack Grime says Hyndburn Council is being "courageous" over the controversial issue of smoking at work.

Coun Grime said: "I have been a smoker and I have seen the light in more ways that one."

He spoke out as Hyndburn Council agreed to set up an all-party panel of councillors to look at the council's smoking policy.

The proposals include staff having to take smoke breaks in their own time.

Tory group leader Coun Peter Britcliffe said: "The main bone of contention was the fact that workers would have to clock off to have a cigarette.

"That was really the only source of discontent and I put forward a resolution to delete that part."

Coun Mrs Sandra Hayes suggested four smokers and four non-smokers for the panel, but coun Bill Pinder said councillors could make an objective decision.

Coun Jack Grime, chairman of performance review and personnel committee, said: "It is right and proper we have this panel where we can discuss it thoroughly.

"At the end of the day we will bring back to this council and for the benefit of all our staff something which other councils have not been courageous enough to take on board. Let's put others to shame."

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