Study targets smoking ’hot spot’

PA 43/09 Researchers from The University of Nottingham are taking to the streets of Aspley in Nottingham to understand why smoking rates there are nearly twice the national average. Reducing high levels of smoking is a priority for the City of Nottingham which ranks third highest in the country after Corby and Hull. Ann McNeill, from the UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies and Professor in Health Policy and Promotion at The University of Nottingham who is leading the research said: "Stopping smoking is probably the single most important thing a smoker can do to improve their health, and in the current climate, save money. We are interested in finding out why residents in Aspley are bucking the trend and continuing to smoke as well as what can be done in partnership with the community, to introduce long term solutions to reduce their smoking rates". The study, which is being carried out by the School of Community Health Sciences, was commissioned by NHS Nottingham City and will be carried out in collaboration with their staff and Nottingham City Council. The first stage of the research will take place between March and October this year. Dr Jeanelle de Gruchy, Deputy Director of Public Health at NHS Nottingham City said: "We have a very high level of smoking in Nottingham, ranking third highest in the country after Corby and Hull.