BOLTON could become Britain's first smoke-free town after the council leader backed a ban on smoking in public places.

Liberal Democrat leader Cllr Barbara Ronson said it was time for the borough to debate whether it should outlaw the use of cigarettes in workplaces, pubs and restaurants -- and even in the streets.

She believes local bylaws currently used to enforce on-street drinking bans could be adapted to target smoking in public -- if the Government gives councils the go-ahead.

Cllr Ronson said: "There are a lot of people out there who not only hate cigarette smoke but dislike seeing cigarettes butts dumped in the street.

"We need to have a discussion on whether people support a ban and how it could be implemented." "I back the spirit of a nationwide ban because I feel there are a lot of people whose health is being effected by passive smoking."

Cllr Ronson's comments come after England's Chief Medical Officer, Sir Liam Donaldson, piled more pressure on the Government to allow council's to impose public smoking bans.

Ministers are considering whether a ban should be introduced in the UK in line with countries such as Ireland and Norway and many US cities.

Cllr Lynda Thomas, deputy leader of the Bolton Labour Group, said she welcomed the debate. She said: "We all know the risks of passive smoking and I think people would be surprised by how well a ban was received.

"We have already banned smoking in the town hall and most councillors are non-smokers so if this went before the chamber it might well be approved.'

But Cllr Andy Morgan, of the Conservatives, said a ban in all public places would be unworkable. He said: "We would back a ban in restaurants and workplaces and for segregation in pubs -- butThe police have more important things to do than to chase around after smokers."