MORE sites across the county are becoming smokefree this autumn.

Wiltshire Council is planning to implement the new ruling across various sites they are responsible for in Wiltshire, including libraries, leisure centres and depots.

The smoking ban will launch on October 1 to coincide with the Stoptober campaign, and each site affected will have signage to notify the public of the changes.

Vaping on these sites will still be permitted.

According to the latest Public Health Outcomes Framework data, adult smoking prevalence in Wiltshire has continued to decline, standing now at 12.3 per cent, which is lower than the national average of 14.4 per cent.

The national ambition is for an adult smoking prevalence of 12 per cent by the end of 2022.

The introduction of more smokefree sites follows the success of Wiltshire Council hubs Bourne Hill (Salisbury), County Hall (Trowbridge) and Monkton Park (Chippenham) becoming smokefree in March.

Wiltshire Council portfolio holder for public health, Ben Anderson, said: “Although it’s been a period of transition for our staff and those who use our premises, we are pleased with the response to our hub sites going smokefree.

“It was always our plan to extend this to the majority of our sites as we want to spread this positive health message as widely and as consistently as possible.

“We know quitting smoking for good is incredibly challenging, but we have expert support available for anyone who wants to take that step so I’d urge them to get in touch.”