SIR - In reply to Alan Chapman's letter regarding Councillor David Ward's support for the reintroduction of segregated smoking areas (T&A, January 21). I don't think he understands the councillor's point.

He doesn't want to impose on non-smokers rights to smoke-free zones, he simply wants an area where people are allowed, if they wish to smoke.

This in no way affects anybody's rights and in a so-called democratic society of freedom and choice is only fair.

Also, on Mr Chapman's assumption that if this were a party policy it would detract from their support, quite the opposite. Twelve million smokers and sympathisers would assure the Lib-Dems of possibly the finest result in years.

In fact, this is their chance to stop being the also-rans of British politics, not getting 40, 50 and 60 MPs but having total majority in Parliament.

Mr and Mrs Kelly, Wild Heather Close, Haworth Road, Cullingworth