Shropshire Council is to consider calling for a ban on disposable vapes to tackle the rise in children taking up the habit.

A motion will be put forward at a meeting of the full council this week over concerns that the availability of single-use vapes have contributed to a seven-fold increase in the number of under-18s using the products between 2011 and 2021.

The motion, put forward by Councillor Dan Thomas, who represents Much Wenlock, asks the council to lobby the Government to ban the devices from being sold.

It has already been supported by council leader Lezley Picton and senior councillors including Kirstie Hurst-Knight and Ian Nellins.

Coun Thomas said vapes are being openly displayed in shops, including in main aisles, and that their "colourful and alluring" designs tempt young people to try "what they think is a harmless pastime".

“Whilst vaping can be excellent at helping stop adults from smoking cigarettes, the problem is that children and teenagers are getting hooked on vaping because the devices are everywhere you turn," he said.

“Vaping could be the next health epidemic, especially among young people.”

Coun Thomas said there were also environmental considerations to take into account.

“I’ve seen them littered on walks across the Much Wenlock division and across Shropshire," he said.

“Single-use plastic vapes contain hazardous materials such as lithium batteries, e-liquid and wiring, which pose a threat to wildlife."

If a majority of councillors back the idea, the council will make representations to the government asking for it for a ban on the sale of disposable vapes.