COUNCILLOR Andy Morgan is quite correct when he says the police have more important things to do than chase smokers.

The pigeon-feeding skateboarders are keeping them busy all right!

When I am in the company of smokers and smoke-filled rooms the morning after the night before, I have long suffered from blinding headaches. Smoke from cigarettes has previously affected me this way for years.

My solution? Not to frequent places where smokers choose to smoke unless I have no other choice. This topic indeed is a matter of personal choice.

Although I detest cigarette smoke, I have nothing against smokers, as I have nothing against drinkers. While I do like having a tipple or two, the difference being, it is my choice to have a drink. I empathise with the rights of smokers from a freedom of choice point of view, but I also hold the right not to be forced to inhale smoke passively.

Once, smoking was seen as a habit necessary to socialise within both a work and play environment. This is changing slowly with the emergence of non-smoking pubs and clubs with policies enforced at the owners' discretion.

Again, that is their choice and we should all be free to make that choice. As they propose with health services, the Conservatives seem good at giving us choice, but only when they choose to give it to us.

What choice is that?

Ian Upton

Thomas More Close

Bolton