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MBE Peter Tackling Illegal Tobacco

Published: 2011-01-21    Views:98 reads

A PUBLIC protection champion who has won an MBE for his work has vowed to keep the pressure on the illegal tobacco trade.

Peter Astley, chairman of the north west regional steering group of the North of England Tackling Illicit Tobacco for Better Health programme, wants the issue to remain firmly in the spotlight in 2011.

And he is urging residents to report any illegal tobacco sales in their area following the recent "Get Some Answers" campaign which led to raids and confiscations last summer.

Mr Astley said: "The work we've been doing to raise awareness about illegal tobacco across the region is getting the recognition and results it deserves, but we are not complacent - our work is far from finished.

"Residents across the North West are concerned about these issues and are right behind us in our campaign to get rid of illegal tobacco in our communities."

Mr Astley has previously collaborated with health workers, trading standards, HMRC and the police as part of the recent campaign.

Now he wants to raise further awareness of the issue to prevent young people getting hold of cigarettes and risking their health through addiction.

Andrea Crossfield, director of Smokefree North West, a partnership dedicated to reducing smoking-related illness, said: "Tackling illegal tobacco is crucial to prevent future generations from taking up smoking.

"Illegal tobacco is easily available and cheap, making it a key reason why children and young people are able to start smoking."

Source from: This is Cheshire
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