THOUSANDS of smokers could be left out in the rain from July because just 10 Worcester pubs have applied to build smoking shelters.

On Sunday, July 1, smokers will be banned from lighting up in enclosed public spaces and workplaces.

Worcester City Council's planning department was prepared for a rush of applications for smoking shelters from pubs, but is still waiting.

Paul O'Connor, the council's planning manager, said: "We were expecting more applications than we have received.

"It's too late now for somebody to apply for planning permission and have it in place before the deadline."

Mr O'Connor said there could be a last-minute panic when licensees realised they had missed the deadline.

"Inevitably there will be a number of places that realise closer to the deadline they need to provide facilities," he said.

"We are expecting that we will see a few more applications to come."

He said officers would also be keeping their eyes open for illegal shelters.

"We are concerned particularly to ensure that any development doesn't harm amenities, be it visual or residential," he said.

"If there are unauthorised shelters and complaints are made about them, we will investigate."

Mr O'Connor said not all applications submitted had been up to scratch.

"We have to treat them as if they are like any other extension," he said.

"They require a certain level of detail, which some have lacked."

The Oak Apple in Spetchley Road is one of the few pubs with a shelter up and ready.

Manager David Foreman said the company behind the pub, Marston's, had been planning ahead at all its properties.

He said customers had already started using the shelter, even though the pub does not officially go smoke-free until July 1.

"It's a case of getting used to it," he said.

"It's a major change, especially for pubs, but that is the way it's going."

Mr Foreman said the company's pubs in Wales had experienced boost in business since the ban was introduced there in April.

The 10 pubs that have applied for shelters are: the Sebright Arms, London Road; the Portobello Inn, Bransford Road; the Swan with Two Nicks, New Street; the Gun Tavern, Newtown Road; New Chequers Inn, Astwood Road; the Glover's Needle, Windermere Drive; the Grosvenor, Henwick Road; the Oak Apple, Spetchley Road; the Blackpole Inn, Blackpole Road, and the Goodrest Tavern, Barker Street.

For advice from the council's planning department, e-mail development.orch ard@worcester.gov.uk or call 01905 722532.

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