THE number of smokers has dropped by 40 per cent in east Cheshire.

Saturday, July 1 marked the 10th anniversary of the smoking ban, with 23 per cent in the borough smoking before it was introduced. The current rate is just over 13 percent.

Smoking levels vary across the area, with 21 per cent of over 15s smoking in Crewe compared to 11.5 per cent in Alderley Edge, Chelford, Handforth and Wilmslow.

Cllr Liz Wardlaw, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for health, said: “While the rate of smoking is lower in east Cheshire than other local areas, it is still important that this trend continues.”

1,660 deaths were related to smoking in the borough during 2012-14.

Fiona Reynolds, direct of public health for CEC, said: “We would encourage anyone who smokes to access the One You Cheshire East stop smoking service.

“Smokers are far more likely to successfully quit with the help of a trained advisor and health benfits can be seen quickly after stopping.”

To access the service call 0800 085 8818 or visit oneyoucheshireeast.org.