City council leader Carl Minns says he will stub out any moves to ban outdoor smoking in Hull.

Some senior figures within the city's health sector are believed to be in favour of introducing an outdoor ban in public places, such as streets, parks and playing fields.

They argue that copying proposals for a zero tolerance approach in New York is the only way to tackle Hull's high rates of cigarette-related health problems,

But Councillor Minns says he will never back the idea, claiming it would erode people's civil liberties.

And he has ruled out the prospect of support from the council, which would have to enforce any ban.

The Mail understands the issue has already caused rifts between officials at the primary care trust, NHS Hull, and the city council.

Earlier this month, the Audit Commission highlighted tensions between the two organisations over how Hull's health problems should be addressed.

In a review of the city's public services, it said there were "different views at senior level" on how partners should be tackling some health issues.

The commission concluded the two bodies were "not working as effectively together as they should".

Speaking at a full council meeting, Cllr Minns acknowledged the gulf between the two.

He said: "It's fair to say we have a difference of opinion on our views on certain public health issues and on the methods of tackling them.

"As a Liberal, I am not in favour of wholesale prohibition while some people in the primary care trust want to take a more enforcement-led approach."

Cllr Minns, who is a non-smoker, added: "I do not believe in an extension of the existing smoking ban , either locally or nationally.

"In my view it would fundamentally undermine civil liberties and freedom of choice.

"I am aware some councils are looking at trying to introduce a ban in some public areas but I think such a ban would be unenforceable.

"As long as I am leader, this council will not be banning smoking in the open air and will not be infringing on people's rights."

The city council pre-empted national legislation introduced two years ago by taking a lead in banning smoking in all of its buildings.

Since the smoking law came into force, a total of nine fixed penalty notices have been issued to people in Hull caught smoking in enclosed public spaces.

The primary care trust has subsequently continued to champion the cause by promoting smoking cessation sessions and recently announcing plans for a walk-in health centre in St Stephen's shopping centre, where people will be able to get advice on quitting the habit.

The Hull and East Yorkshire Hospital Trust has also introduced a blanket smoking ban covering the entire sites of Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital in Cottingham.

No-one from NHS Hull was available for comment.