A MARKET'S management says a ban on smoking has been a success so far and improved the air quality.

The ban on lighting up anywhere in Durham Indoor Market was introduced on Monday last week in response to requests from customers and traders.

Eileen Wood, operations director of the Durham Markets Company, said the move had been well received.

"We had one lady smoking on the market floor who objected but when we explained the reasons she heartily agreed.

"There were two people in the caf who said to the staff they won't return but other than that it has been smooth.

"You can smell the difference in the air in here - it is much nicer and hopefully it will keep that way.

"We brought in extra security staff on Saturday, knowing it was the busiest day and that people might not notice the signs.

"There were no problems when they were asked to finish their cigarettes outside."

Today, National No Smoking Day, the Milburngate Shopping Centre, which is under new ownership and is in line for a refurbishment, will introduce a smoking ban.

The centre's management had planned to bring in the restriction later in the year but decided to bring it forward to National No Smoking Day.

Ian Miller, the Durham and Chester-le-Street Primary Care Trust's (PCT) smoking cessation advisor, welcomed the decision.

"The PCT applauds the stance the shopping centre is taking on smoking and the positive impact this will have on public health."

But The Prince Bishops Centre has no plans for a ban.

Manager Richard Toynbee said: "Smoking brings more work for our cleaners who do a pretty decent job clearing up the cigarette ends.

"But it would probably be impractical for us to enforce a ban."