As an asthmatic and a mother of a daughter who suffers with respiratory problems, I am delighted that at last a smoking ban is on the agenda for the Glades shopping centre.

It's about time we were afforded protection against people who wish to pollute their lungs by smoking. I really had hoped the Government would introduce legislation in the new reforms to ban smoking in all public areas, enabling the majority of us to enjoy what should be taken for granted, cigarette smoke-free air.

At the moment, like many people with asthma, I am unable to go into a pub or restaurant (apparently I should go to a non-smoking restaurant, would somebody please tell me where the real smoke-free ones are?).

I cannot go to a shopping mall without reacting to smokers' habits, I can't take my daughter bowling, and I am even unable to wait for a train at an enclosed railway station unless I am willing to breath in the filth emitted by people who feel they have a right to contaminate the rest of us.

Smokers are all well aware of the potential hazards of their anti-social inclinations and, if they are stupid enough to subject themselves to such risks, that's fine by me.

But I object to them inflicting their revolting tendencies on my children and myself. Why do we always have to pander to the whims of minorities, as most people do not smoke?

Why should the public have to make such a fuss by writing sackfuls of letters to the managers at The Glades when it should be our health they are concerned with, not trying to keep smokers happy?

Politicians and individuals accountable for such decisions have an obligation to fulfil and a responsibility to protect our health.

They put themselves up for the job and are will paid, so why aren't they listening?

Mrs C Taylor

Orpington

Converted for the new archive on 30 June 2000.Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.