THE Kingfisher Centre could become a smoke-free zone after its multi-million pound refit.

Yesterday, it was announced a steering group set up to look at the possibility of banning smoking in the centre is to reconvene.

The group, which includes Kingfisher Centre management, Worcestershire Health Authority, Redditch Council and Kingfisher security, will meet again next month to consider the proposals.

One of its priorities will be a consultation process with the public.

Health promotion co-ordinator for Redditch, John Crawford, said: "We will be reconvening at the end of September and build on the work the group has been doing.

"We will continue our consultation with partnership groups and the public to gauge opinion."

Mr Crawford added: "Certainly the strength of partnership support and public opinion has been growing in favour of a smoke-free centre, which we want to link into the new development."

Mr Crawford said a smoke-free policy would probably be phased in but the steering group has yet to decide how such a policy would be enforced.

Kingfisher Centre manager Brian Walker said: "The long-term aim is to persuade people the cessation of smoking in the centre is worthwhile and it will probably happen on the back of the new development."

Mr Walker added: "We will introduce no smoking along with the council and other partners and are close to it now."