Manchester’s newest urban park Mayfield Park is to become a smoke-free zone from June 26, banning cigarettes, cigars and vaping. The Mayfield Park smoking ban aims to protect residents and visitors from the life-threatening illnesses caused by smoking, and will be the most notable smoke-free zone yet in Manchester city centre.
No fines will be issued under the new rules, but park visitors using any of the banned items will be politely asked to stop and then asked to leave if they refuse.
The news comes in conjunction with World No Tobacco Day, which aims to inform the public on the dangers of using tobacco and the business practices of tobacco companies. World No Tobacco Day also highlights what the World Health Organization (WHO) is doing to fight against the use of tobacco, and what people around the world can do to claim their right to health and healthy living and to protect future generations.
Speaking on the Mayfield Park smoking ban Laura Percy, Development Director at Landsec U+I, the main developers of Mayfield, said: “The park offers a beautiful space in the heart of the city for people to enjoy with many benefits to their health and wellbeing.
“Becoming a smoke-free park is a natural step that will only create a more enjoyable experience for many of our visitors and staff, as well as protect the park’s wildlife, waterways, and biodiversity. We will be working closely with Manchester City Council and NHS Greater Manchester to encourage and support people to refrain from smoking within the park when we go smoke-free next month.”
The Mayfield Partnership, comprising LandsecU+I, Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and LCR, has been supported by The Partnership for Healthy Cities – an initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the World Health Organization and Vital Strategies.
The Partnership for Healthy Cities, NHS Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council have committed to creating smoke-free outdoor spaces to protect the people of Manchester from the harm caused by smoking. Mayfield Park is the first part in a wider journey to make smoking history in Greater Manchester by 2030.