A COUNCIL that banned smoking on its premises has been given a National Clean Air Award.
Easington District Council introduced the ban in May, after Parliament voted for a ban on smoking in all public places, which is to be implemented in July.
A survey of councillors and employees found 70 per cent in favour of a ban on smoking in buildings, and 46 per cent thought it should be prohibited in the grounds of buildings.
Graeme Snell, public health capacity co-ordinator for County Durham Primary Care Trust, made the award to council chairman Charlie Walker.
The council's health and safety manager, Dave Walker, said: "Council employees expressed support for a ban on smoking on the premises, and the council responded to this with a new no-smoking policy.
"Safeguarding the health of our employees is extremely important to us, and the National Clean Air Award recognises our efforts in doing this.''
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