Proposals for a complete ban on smoking in council offices provoked heated reactions from Maldon district councillors.

A motion proposed by Cllr Ms Alison Lamb was rejected by a narrow margin after much discussion.

The motion suggested that council members be included in an existing ban on staff and the public from smoking in all parts of the building in Princes Road.

"Although there is a ban on smoking in the building, people do smoke in the members' room and sometimes even in the council chamber itself," said Cllr Ms Lamb.

"I think that seems to say that councillors may make the rules, but don't actually have to obey them.

"We aren't people who are above our own rules. We are people who accept that, for the sake of our health and others, we refrain from smoking in certain places."

Cllr Jim Titmarsh agreed and said: "I've got my pipe in my pocket, but I'm perfectly capable of going without for two hours, so surely everyone else can manage without.

"Smoking is an addiction and we have got to try to cure this country of its ills."

But Cllr Rodney Bass said: "Cllr Ms Lamb is quite wrong -- members are requested to refrain from smoking during meetings and, when we are in a crowded council chamber, it is clearly sensible to respect the wishes of non-smokers.

"However, if there is a social function or an informal gathering, this sort of ban is a bit proscriptive on us poor smokers."

Cllr Bob Boyce said: "I think it is entirely wrong to impose a ban of this nature on members who give their time voluntarily."

Cllr Mrs Julia Peel said : "I am a non-drinker, but I wouldn't want to introduce a drinking ban. I am concerned that there is no area in the building for staff who are addicted to smoking."

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