HALTON Borough Council is adding its backing to help cut smoking levels in the town.


The council signed up to the Local Government Declaration on Tobacco Control which will see a number of pledges to help reduce tobacco use being made.


It will see joint action with partners to address the causes and impacts of tobacco use and declare its commitment to reduce smoking in the communities by joining the Smokefree Action Coalition.


Council Leader, Clr Rob Polhill, said: “Smoking is the single biggest cause of disease and preventable death in Halton and I am delighted that the council is taking such a strong stance by signing the declaration.


“The declaration provides the opportunity to build on the success of our existing tobacco control and stop smoking services by confirming and publicly declaring our commitment to taking affirmative action to further reduce levels of smoking in the borough.


"By taking such a leading and high profile role in reducing smoking prevalence we aim to secure immediate and long-term health, economic and environmental benefits for Halton residents and to reduce health inequalities in the borough’s most deprived communities.”