A COUNTY health organisation is asking residents for their views on smoking in public - but says it is only a matter of time before the habit becomes widely unacceptable anyway.

The Smoke-Free Worcestershire group is also encouraging people with strong views for or against a public smoking ban to write to Redditch MP Jacqui Smith.

Peter Hill, who leads the Government-sponsored group, said: "The time will come when smoking is a thing of the past in workplaces, offices, leisure facilities and shopping centres.

"Imposition of the smoke-free message is not the name of the game. At this moment there is no legal ban on smoking in public places, although employers do have a responsibility for a working environment which is safe and free from health risks.

"At the end of the day, tobacco smoke is a known carcinogen - the risk to health and fitness is clear. It makes sense to go smoke-free in public places."

Mr Hill added: "As the local community moves towards this position on smoking in public places, a free quit smoking service is available to all those motivated to stop."

The debate flared up recently when 13 royal colleges of medicine called for a complete smoking ban in public places.

Free support for quitters is available from the Worcestershire Smoking Advice Service on 01905 760222.