MORE than 35,000 people in Herefordshire are said to be smokers.

If a total ban on smoking in public places came into force, 2,000 of these would become potential quitters, according to Liz Lynne, Liberal Democrat MEP.

Ms Lynne had previously supported a voluntary ban but has switched her support to those seeking action for smoking to be stopped in all public places.

Her new stance follows the publication of figures showing the smoking habits of people across the West Midlands from a survey by Asthma UK.

They indicate there are 558,000 smokers in the region with 35,000 of these in Herefordshire.

The numbers are said to be equally split between men and women and account for 25% of the population.

The same survey also revealed there are 14,000 people in Herefordshire suffering from asthma and that 11,000 of these are affected by second-hand smoke.

Calling for a full ban Ms Lynne, who is herself asthmatic, said passive smoking always aggravated asthma and could trigger a potentially fatal attack.

It was unfortunate restaurants and bars were not able to regulate their own establishments and keep clearly separated areas for smokers.

Without their co-operation, a total ban on smoking was the only way to ensure members of the public and staff were protected from harm.

"Asthma sufferers miss out on going to pubs and clubs and I know first-hand how difficult it can be to find a smoke-free restaurant.

"It is completely unacceptable for sufferers to have their health and quality of life affected this way," said Ms Lynne.

See this week's Hereford Times for more health news