Page 4 - link magazine

4 The Link Magazine • February 2000
Smoking in the West Swindon Centre
An article in the January Link featured complaints from Ted Spalding and Mike Taylor about smoking in the West Swindon Centre mall and a
comment from an Asda representative that it was not perceived as a problem. Reader reaction was both swift and blunt. We have sent Asda
copies and have asked them to reconsider their smoking policy. We hope to update their viewpoint next month.
From Darren Mogg From Dr SJ Walker, Darcy Close, From Aimee Georgeson,
I had to write to advise you that Swindon Environmental Health Of- Grange Park Westminster Road, Toothill
both Asda West Swindon and Asda ficer who officially made the com- I read with interest and disbelief I was very disappointed with the
House in Leeds are lying when they plaint on behalf of Asda staff who that Asda management should say response from Naomi Duggan of
say that they have had no complaints have to work within the departments they have never had any complaints Asda. How ridiculous to say that
regarding smoking within the mall. located in the mall. They feel they on the matter. smoking is not perceived as a prob-
About three months ago an offi- should receive the same level of pro- I wrote to the company headquar- lem. It is one of the main health
cial complaint was made to Asda tection as their colleagues who work ters in 1998. The reply said that most concerns for people in today's soci-
Management by staff regarding cus- within the main store. people wanted to smoke, and they ety and there are nationwide cam-
tomers being allowed to smoke at When I last spoke to the EHO, I would lose custom if it were to be paigns to raise public awareness on
the customer service desk and ciga- was told that Asda were looking into banned. this issue. I would like to know if
rette kiosk. the complaint. I applaud your reporting on the there has been consultation with con-
When no response was received I look forward to seeing this cam- matter, and hope that there will be sumers on the smoking issue.
the complaint was passed to the paign grow. sufficient publicity for Asda to As the mother of a child who had
change their policy on smoking in a (now corrected) several heart defects,
public place, thus bringing them into I have always had concerns about
PARTNERS line with more enlightened compa- the effect of smoking on the satura-
tion of oxygen in her blood. There
nies such as McDonalds, Tesco and
the RSC at Cribbs Causeway. are many people who have respira-
HAIR- --- tory problems and feel anxious and
short of breath when around smoke.
I understand the need to accom-
modate all customers and respect
5 STAR RATING their rights. However it is also im-
portant to see a broader picture and
protect all customers' health, safety
IN GOOD SALON GUIDE and levels of comfort whilst using
the area. It is negligent and irre-
Specialists in high fashion sponsible not to act simply because
and colour work NItFt it would be difficult to monitor.

West Swindon Centre 38c Gainsborough Avenue
From Mrs M O'Sullivan, Winch-
Swindon • Tel: 870462 Wootton Bassett • Tel: 853220 combe Close, The Prinnels
I have to agree with Mr Spalding
about how annoying it is shopping
at West Swindon Centre when peo-
ple are smoking.
AD VANTAGE ping close to the cigarette kiosk and
It is very unhygienic packing shop-
From Mr P J Simpson, people sitting on the benches smok-
PROPERTY Springhill Close, Westlea ing. I also suffer from asthma When
If there were prizes for hygiene,
it is bad I go to another supermarket.
Asda would never warrant one. As for the spokesperson for Asda
MAINTENANCE Smoking should be banned any- and the spokesperson from Leeds
where near food outlets. Ashtrays denying that anyone has complained
are filthy within the complex and before, I am one of many who have
r x c chewing gum is rife outside and in. complained on numerous occasions.
I am sure an overwhelming
FIRE AND FLOOD RESTORATION From Bev Cejer, Jewel Close, number of shoppers would ask for
Grange Park West Swindon Centre to be non-
INSURANCE CLAIMS I would strongly support moves smoking in line with other centres,
to make the West Swindon Shop- buses and now trains.
ELECTRICAL TESTING ping Centre a non-smoking area for I hope eventually that the centre
all the reasons cited in the article. will be a free smoke zone. I do be-
FITTED KITCHENS & I am especially concerned for the lieve in freedom of choice but for
young children who are exposed to a many people who shop at the centre
ALL SMALL BUILDING WORKS high level of passive smoking, a fac- and the staff, what choice do they
Goo tor which can contribute to asthma have?
in this age group.
Since the centre opened a nation- David Fletcher, Sparcells
PROMPT RELIABLE SERVICE wide move has taken place to make Tobacco smoke is a dangerous and,
public areas smoke free to protect to those of us who have not picked
24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT both staff and non-smoking shop- up the habit, highly unpleasant sub-
Goo pers. stance, even in very small concentra-
Going shopping where smoking
tions. The sooner it is completely
is permitted is an unpleasant experi- banned from all public places, the
ALL ENQUIRIES WELCOME ence for non-smokers such as my- better.
self. I currently shop elswhere to It is time the West Swindon Cen-
avoid the smoke. This must have a tre followed the excellent example of
Tel/fax (01793) 722458 commercial impact which Asda Thamesdown Transport. Enforce-
should take into account.
ment is not a difficulty. Everyone is
Perhaps Asda should ask custom-
Mobile 0374 855884 ers whether they want the centre to fully aware of the fact that smoking
is prohibited on the buses, so no-
become a smoke free area? body smokes.