SIX months after Strabane homes went smoke free, this week it was the turn of Castlederg and Newtownstewart, as Strabane District Council completed the implementation of it's smoke control policy.

The controversial measures, which came into force on Sunday, mean it is now illegal to burn smoke fuels such as coal or turf in the home. The move is aimed at improving air quality across the Strabane District.

Strabane District Council's Chief Environmental Health Officer Paddy Cosgrove explained, "September 30 represents a very important day for Strabane District Council. The implementation of the Air Quality Action Plan over recent years has seen the introduction of a range of measures aimed ultimately at improving public health. As a result, the air quality has improved dramatically across the district and the introduction of the smoke control areas in Castlederg and Newtownstewart will help to improve air quality even further."

Officers from the Environmental Health Department will now be carrying out enforcement activities to ensure compliance with the new requirements which affect the fuels that households can burn and the suppliers of such fuels. The department will seek the co-operation of the public and businesses in attaining improved air quality across the district.

Anyone requiring any further information in relation to smoke control should contact the Environmental Health Department of Strabane District Council by telephoning 028 71381311 or by email to ehealth@strabanedc.com.