COLCHESTER Council has introduced two new smoking zones at 'hotspots' in town in a bid to cut down on litter.

The dedicated smoking areas, marked out by a yellow line, are designed to help tackle littering and reduce the cost of cleaning in the town centre.

The initiative is also hoped to encourage a change of behaviour in smokers’ littering habits.

Zone one is located at Colchester Bus Station’s waiting room on Osborne Street, and Zone two is nearby, outside Gala Bingo.

Each zone is undercover and has two clearly visible yellow cigarette bins.

Zone two, outside Gala Bingo, also has a general litter bin owned by the council and a wall-mounted cigarette bin provided by Gala Bingo. A bench with four seats is located in each of the proposed zones.

Mike Lilley, portfolio holder for safer communities and licensing, said: "Littering can be an issue in many town centres, but by working with partners we can help encourage positive behavioural change and improve Colchester's town centre for local residents, day visitors, businesses and tourists alike."

Colchester Council joined with Keep Britain Tidy for the campaign.

It has also worked with the Behavioural Change Team and Provide, who run the Essex Lifestyles Service on this project.

Essex Lifestyle Service have joined forces with the council to help smokers quit.

Given that more than two thirds of smokers want to quit, there are codes placed near the smoking zones so anyone who might be thinking about changing their smoking behaviour can scan the code with their phone to get more information.

Ellen Van Gemmert, health development manager for Provide said: "Smoking still remains the nation’s highest cause of preventable and premature death and it’s never too late to stop. Stopping smoking significantly reduces risks to your health, even if you have been smoking for a long time.

“All the evidence shows that you are four times more likely to stop smoking for good with specialist help. In Essex you can use the free and confidential stop smoking service that is provided by Essex Lifestyles at www.essexlifestyleservice.org.uk."

Colchester Council Environmental Health Team are also working in partnership on this project and will be engaging with residents and visitors in the town to explore views on voluntary smoke-free areas within the town centre and around children's parks.

As well as reducing smoking litter this would reduce exposure to second hand smoke, a major hazard to children's health, and help to establish a more welcoming, family friendly cleaner environment in the heart of Colchester.