A NON-smoking area on Bournemouth beach has been proposed at a town council meeting.

Following news that Brighton and Hove Council is considering introducing a ban on smoking on its beaches and in public parks, Boscombe West councillor Philip Stanley-Watts proposed a designated non-smoking area for Bournemouth beach.

However, Lawrence Williams, cabinet member for tourism and leisure, said the move was not deemed necessary.

"Bournemouth is a top class international resort," said Cllr Stanley-Watts at the meeting on Tuesday.

"The borough has a reputation as a health resort through its heritage, and its motto is 'health and beauty'.

"To offer a healthy choice might we not designate a part of the seven miles of beach a no smoking area?"

The Brighton plans, drawn up by the Labour-run council, are currently subject to public consultation. Although called a ban, local authorities do not have the power to enforce a smoking ban in outdoor areas as this is not covered under the Health Act 2006.

Such schemes can only be voluntary, and the Sussex town has already introduced a 'voluntary ban' on smoking in children's play areas.

Responding to the question, Cllr Williams said the council's policy was to ensure everyone on the beach could "enjoy their own personal space".

"The national trend has seen fewer and fewer people smoking, we are working to increase the health offer on the beach rather than attempting to ban smoking," he said.

He citied Boscombe's coastal activity centre as an example of what the authority is doing to encourage good health and fitness.

The plans in Brighton have been criticised by smokers' lobby group Forest, with the group's director Simon Clark saying: "Extending the smoking ban to parks and beaches is an unwarranted attack on people's personal freedom."

However, Brighton and Hove Council claims it is necessary to keep people safe from the effects of passive smoking.