Parents should take it upon themselves to make the borough’s playgrounds smokefree, the town hall has said.

Under a new initiative designed to protect children from second-hand smoke, the council are setting up pilot smokefree zones at Fortune Street Gardens, Whittington Park and Paradise Park.

Smokers are asked to be considerate of children playing in these areas and not smoke around them.

To launch the initiative, the council held an event at Fortune Street Park with tips for healthy living and advice for people wanting to quit smoking. Arsenal in the Community, GLL and the NHS Islington were also supporting the event.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s executive member for environment said, “We know smoking is bad for our health, and to smoke around children when they don’t have a choice about this is not just anti-social, it sets a bad example.

“I want adults to do the responsible thing and avoid smoking in our parks where children and young people are playing.”

According to the council an overwhelming majority of those attending the event supported the scheme and said they would encourage others to avoid lighting up in playgrounds.

Julie Billett, director of public health for Islington and Camden, said, “This is the latest initiative in Islington to protect the health of young people in the borough.

“By making these playgrounds smokefree, we are continuing to give children a chance to enjoy play facilities without being exposed to other people’s smoke”

If you smoke and are looking to quit, help and support is available to all through www.smokefreeislington.nhs.uk.