THE Burgess Hall in St Ives could lose significant numbers of visitors when the Government s smoking ban comes into effect in summer 2007, managers fear. That would reverse a trend of increasing patronage that has seen 32 per cent more people using the fa

THE Burgess Hall in St Ives could lose significant numbers of visitors when the Government's smoking ban comes into effect in summer 2007, managers fear.

That would reverse a trend of increasing patronage that has seen 32 per cent more people using the facility over the past 12 months.

So the St Ivo Leisure Centre manager, Jonathon Clarke, wants to spend £5,300 to provide a dedicated smoking area just outside the building.

"A large proportion of people who come to the Burgess Hall do smoke, and we don't want to exclude them," he told The Hunts Post.

"We are ready to go if the management committee agrees to go ahead at its meeting on Friday."

The patio area at the foot of the spiral staircase at the side of the building would be fenced in to create a garden patio environment. Patio heaters and seating would be provided.