Two East Sussex beaches become 'smoke free'
On Wednesday, Bexhill beach from the De La Warr Pavilion to the Coronation Bandstand on East Parade and all of Camber Sands became designated as smoke free.
According to Public Health England, there are more than 57,000 smokers in East Sussex.
Councillor Doug Oliver, leader of Rother District Council, said it was a "positive initiative to establish the first voluntary smoke free beaches in England".
Rob Tolfree, acting director of East Sussex Public Health, said: "Second-hand smoke is just as toxic outdoors as it is indoors.
"Creating two smoke free beaches in East Sussex will help protect our children and young people from the effects of smoking by encouraging people to think twice before smoking on the beach."
Sussex Wildlife Trust said cigarette butts are one of the most littered items globally and take years to biodegrade.
"They leak chemicals including nicotine, ethyl phenol and heavy metals into the sea as they break down, damaging delicate marine ecosystems," the Trust's spokesperson said.
The Trust added East Sussex has two Marine Conservation Zones which protect rare underwater chalk reefs and vulnerable blue mussel beds, as well as diverse marine life.
The initiative was launched by East Sussex County Council and Rother District Council, supported by Sussex Wildlife Trust on No Smoking Day.
Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.
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