SMOKING has become more common in Cheshire West over recent years, new Government figures appear to suggest.

Figures released by Public Health England suggest that 13.8 per cent of the borough’s adults were smokers in 2018, compared to 12.7 per cent in 2017 and 11.7 per cent in 2016.

It marks the first increase in smoking prevalence across the borough since 2014, when 19.4 per cent of adults were smokers according to the figures.

Cheshire West and Chester Council admits it is crucial that work carries on to stop its residents from starting smoking – although it says the Government’s numbers might not be a true reflection of the borough.

Cllr Val Armstrong, CWAC cabinet member for adult social care and public health said: “Smoking is still the number one cause of preventable ill health and premature death, so it’s vital that we encourage people to never start and continue to work alongside the NHS to support those who want to stop smoking.

Northwich Guardian:

“For stopping smoking support we target those at most risk of harm including pregnant women, those with a mental health condition and younger people.

“The figures used in this data are based on a sample of Cheshire West and Chester’s population, not the whole population, which can introduce a level of uncertainty around data estimates.”

The figures also suggest that 25.3 per cent of adults in the borough are ex-smokers, while 60.9 per cent have never smoked.

However, Public Health England had a smaller number of respondents to its survey in Cheshire West for 2018 than in previous years – with a sample size of 535 in 2018 compared to 610 in 2017.

The study suggests that smoking was more common in Cheshire West than some of its neighbours in 2018 – with 8.7 per cent of adults being smokers in Cheshire East, 10.5 per cent in Warrington and 12 per cent in Wirral.

But the borough did perform well against its other neighbours – with 14 per cent of adults being smokers in Flintshire, 16.8 per cent in Wrexham and 17.9 per cent in Halton.

READ > Smoking less common in Cheshire East, figures suggest

Similarly to Cheshire West, smoking prevalence rose in Halton from 15 per cent in 2017, and in Flintshire from 12.9 per cent in 2017.

For advice on stopping smoking visit cheshirechangehub.org or call 0300 777 0033.