Inquiries are to be made to discover whether a voluntary no-smoking code to be introduced at children's play areas could be made legally enforceable.

A recent survey conducted by Wirral Council revealed there was strong public support for the move.

More than 80% of people interviewed - both smokers and non-smokers – agreed that it was important not to smoke in front of young children.

The council already supports the principle of a voluntary smoking ban in play areas.

Councillors now want officers to determine whether powers are contained within the Localism Bill to allow the introduction of legally enforceable bans.

In Wirral it is estimated that the number of smokers is more than 60,000.

In the less affluent areas, identified as Seacombe, Birkenhead, Bidston and Tranmere, around 35% of the population smoke, compared to an average of 18% across the peninsula.

In a report to next Wednesday's meeting of the town hall community scrutiny committee, coouncillors have been told 23% of the district’s 15 and 16 year olds smoke, and that young women are more likely to light up than males.

The report reveals: “Children become aware of cigarettes at an early age and three out of four children are aware of cigarettes before they reach the age of five, irrespective of whether or not their parents smoke.

“Research suggests that if young children see smoking as part of normal everyday life they are more likely to become smokers themselves.”

Internationally smoking in public play areas and parks is already banned in Spain, Hong Kong, Latvia and Singapore and in cities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada and America.

The smoke-free voluntary code would cover all children’s playgrounds and multi-use games area, which number more than 100 across the peninsula.

The public will be free to smoke in the park and open spaces outside the play areas.

The council survey of 187 park users revealed there was limited support for a voluntary smoke ban for entire parks.

Councillors are reminded in the report that: “Reducing the rates of illness and death caused by smoking is one of Wirral’s key public health objectives.

"To achieve this objective there is a need to reduce the number of people who smoke.

“This includes initiatives that help prevent Wirral’s children from becoming the next generation of smokers.”