Smokers in poorer areas targeted

Research shows 41% of adults in deprived areas smoke

A fresh attempt to stop smoking in deprived areas is being launched by anti-smoking group Ash.

The campaign has the backing of the Scottish Government.

Ash Scotland will launch an evaluation of pilot projects in Glasgow at an event attended by Public Health Minister Shona Robison.

The group's research shows that 41% of adults who live in deprived areas smoke, compared to 13% in the least deprived areas.

In the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde health board area, which has the highest smoking rate in Scotland, 34% of all deaths in the 35-59 age group are attributed to smoking.

The drive also covers smoking among women and among minority ethnic groups.

Ash Scotland chief executive Sheila Duffy said: "We need to tackle tobacco as a society and NHS smoking cessation services must remain a public health priority."

Ms Robison added: "Building on what has already been achieved, we will shortly be publishing a five-year smoking prevention action plan which is aimed at making cigarettes and other tobacco products less affordable, less accessible and less attractive to children and young people."

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