A CHARTER has been signed to make Eastleigh a smoke-free zone within the next three years.

Eastleigh Council chiefs and members of Test Valley South Primary Care Trust (PCT) have signed the agreement to demonstrate the town's commitment to work towards a ban on lighting up in public places by 2008.

Together they have already launched a three-year action plan so that no worker or member of the public is exposed to second-hand smoke in an enclosed indoor space.

The only exemptions would be private homes, provided they do not house a childcare day centre, hotel guest rooms, except those designated as no smoking rooms, and private cars.

The trust's director of health Dr Christine Jackson said: "Last year's consultation on the government's White Paper Choosing Health revealed that many people supported a ban on smoking in public places.

"In addition, a recent national survey of smokers showed that 70 per cent want to give up.

"By signing this charter we are supporting those who want to give up and giving local people the choice of a smoke-free environment."

The government has already indicated that it will, if necessary, introduce regulations and legislation to make enclosed public places and work places smoke-free by 2008.

Now, the borough council and the trust, responsible for local health services, will be working with companies to help them implement smoke free environments.

Eastleigh councillor Peter Wall said: "We have to work with and support companies to develop policies that will introduce smoking bans and provide help for those who want to stop smoking.

"By working together, the council and its partner organisations want enclosed public places and work places across the borough to be smoke-free by 2008.

"Many public premises are already smoke-free to protect staff and visitors and we will be encouraging more to follow suit.

"We are also aware that many smokers want to stop and we will be encouraging support and professional advice such as the NHS Quitters service for those who want to quit."

For help and advice on giving up smoking contact Quitters free helpline 0845 6344484.