People of Cambridgeshire pledge to stamp out illegal tobacco

A CRACKDOWN on illegal tobacco launched just last month has already generated over 7,000 pledges from members of the public across the East of England to help rid their communities of the problem. Campaigners, including key figures from local district councils, NHS and Trading Standards, have been out on the streets talking to the people of Cambridgeshire about the campaign since its launch. The Cambridgeshire campaign team were hard to miss in bright yellow jackets located at the Grafton Centre entrance in Cambridge and at Wisbech market.

 Dr Liz Robin, Director of Public Health of NHS Cambridgeshire said: “The campaign has received a fantastic response from the people of Cambridge and Wisbech so far and this is just the start. With the number of local organisations now involved and more and more people, businesses and retailers pledging their support every day, we hope the drive to keep illegal tobacco out of Cambridgeshire will continue to grow.” Andrew Fayers, of Trading Standards said: “The people of Cambridgeshire have been really engaged with the campaign not only showing support but wanting to know about the consequences of illegal tobacco in their community.”

 The campaign was launched in response to research which showed 36 % of people have been offered illegal tobacco in Cambridgeshire and 8 % admit to buying it. “It is really important for people to realise that buying illegal tobacco doesn’t only impact on them individually - it makes it easier for children to smoke, brings crime into our communities and undermines our legitimate businesses,” explained Christine Harvey, Regional Tobacco Policy Manager, for the East of England.

 People can find out more about the campaign and pledge their support by logging onto the campaign website at www.no-illegal-tobacco.co.uk. Cambridgeshire Action on Tobacco is a partnership of Trading Standards (Cambridgeshire County Council), South Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambridge City District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and NHS Cambridgeshire. All parties are fully supportive of the Illegal Tobacco Campaign.
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