12,000 back bid to ban smoking in workplace.

MORE than 12,000 people have signed up to a Liverpoolwide postcard campaign which aims to get the government to change its proposals on smoke-free legislation.

The postcards were forwarded to the Health Secretary, Patricia Hewitt, in time for the closure of the government's consultation period this week.

Each card carries the message that the majority of people in Liverpool support the implementation of 100% smoke-free legislation for workplaces across the city.

The month-long campaign sought public support at venues across the city, including Liverpool John Lennon airport, Merseyfest and St John's shopping centre, as well as in various public buildings and streets. The aim was to lobby the government to improve on its proposals which would see restrictions on smoking in the workplace - except for bars and pubs not serving food and some private members' clubs.

SmokeFree Liverpool programme director Andrea Crossfield said: "The Positively 100% SmokeFree postcard campaign has been an overwhelming success.

"The sheer number of postcards and the feedback our campaigners have received pays testament to the resolve of the people of Liverpool."

Liverpool's own smoke-free bill is due for consideration by a Lords' committee in the autumn