Bolton Council's cabinet member for health and wellbeing welcomed the announcement of a ban on disposable vapes by the Prime Minister.

Rishi Sunak made the announcement on a trip to a school in the North East this week after the end of a 10-week consultation on the problem.

In Bolton, the battle against youth vaping is already under way in its shops, where the council and the police are in the midst of a crackdown on sales to under-18s, and in its schools, where some students appear to be addicted. One of these schools, St Joseph's RC High School, installed sensors in its toilets which were activated 112 times on the first day.

Linda Thomas, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, welcomed the announcement of a ban on disposable vapes which are a source of the problem due to attractive colours and appealing flavours, from bubble gum to candy floss.

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Cllr Thomas said: "We are delighted the government decided to ban disposable vapes as research shows these are a go-to product for children and young people due to their accessibility and affordability. These disposable vapes are not only damaging to the environment, they are a health risk for children and young people as they contain nicotine and other chemicals which can cause health problems later in life.

"We will not tolerate sales of vapes to children and we will take action against anyone flouting the law as we drive towards creating a smokefree generation."

The Bolton News: Cllr Linda Thomas.

The legislation is in line to start next year, if passed by parliamentarians, which is looking likely after support from the leader of the opposition Sir Keir Starmer.

Sir Keir said the legislation is a long time coming but supported powers such as restrictions on packaging and on the spot £100 penalties for sales to under-18s.

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Mr Sunak said: "As Prime Minister I have an obligation to do what I think is the right thing for our country in the long term. That is why I am taking bold action to ban disposable vapes – which have driven the rise in youth vaping – and to bring forward powers to restrict vape flavours, introduce plain packaging and change how vapes are displayed in shops.   

"Alongside our commitment to stop children from ever legally being sold cigarettes, these changes will leave a lasting legacy by protecting our children’s health for the long term."

This article was written by Jack Tooth. To contact him, email jack.tooth@newsquest.co.uk or follow @JTRTooth on Twitter.