ALMOST 2,000 people registered their vote on the South West's Big Smoke Debate within the first 24 hours.

The survey asks people their views on whether smoking should or should not be allowed in public places and was launched at the White Hart in Iron Acton last week.

Cllr Shirley Potts, executive member for communities at South Gloucestershire Council, said: "The council is keen to encourage the Big Smoke Debate. We know that second hand smoke damages the health of those exposed to it, which is why we run the Easy Breathing Awards for employers with a responsible attitude to this issue. It's important that everyone gets the chance to contribute their views on smoking in public places, and the views of smokers and non-smokers are equally important."

Recent figures show that the average smoking household in the South West spends approximately £1,019 per year on tobacco, which is nearly five per cent of the average household income.

Over the next few weeks, a number of businesses in South Gloucestershire will be encouraging their customers and employees to join in the debate and a series of events and activities have been organised, and youth groups and schools will also be involved.

People can register their views by going to www.bigsmokedebate.com/southwest and filling in a questionnaire.