A WORCESTER flower shop owner has criticised the city council for being over-zealous after she was forced to put up a new no-smoking sign.

Lynda Owen, who runs the Floral Roundabout, Sidbury, claims she was told she would be fined unless she put up a bigger sign warning her customers about the new ban.

Mrs Owen, who has run the business for 40 years, said: "We already had a small no-smoking sign in our window, which is perfectly adequate as our shop has been smoke-free for at least 10 years.

"The staff don't smoke and I can't remember the last time a customer came into our shop smoking.

"We had two visits from a petty-minded council official saying if we did not get a larger sign put up in our window, we'd be fined £50 at least.

"How absolutely ludicrous. It's over-zealous and a total waste of money.

"My taxpayer's money is paying for someone to walk around Worcester checking to see if we have a no-smoking sign.

"It's the nanny state gone bonkers. We are perfectly capable of telling someone to put a cigarette out, and I expect a reduction in my rates if this is what I am paying for."

The council visits took place last week and Mrs Own has now put up an official and bigger A5-size poster in place of the four-inch sign she had originally.

Mrs Owen said: "On the second visit, the council officer stood there while I put it up. As a law abiding citizen I object to being treated this way."

Worcester City Council sent officers to a number of businesses to ensure they complied with the new ban on smoking in enclosed public places, which came into force last Sunday.

Each business was sent an A5 size no-smoking sign through the post by the Department of Health.

Coun Allah Ditta, cabinet member for the environment, said: "The aim of it was just to make people aware of the new ban.

"We've all got to play our part, and I must say most traders have been willing to co-operate with us so far."