Councils urged to ban sunbeds

Local authorities have been urged to remove sunbeds from every leisure centre in the country, amid fears they double the risk of skin cancer.

The warning follows research by the British Medical Association that 80 per cent of such cancers are caused by ultra-violet rays.

Members of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health - many of whom work for local councils - have demanded the removal of sunbeds. They say councils are profiting from treatments which endanger health.

Proposals to be unveiled at the institute's annual conference in Belfast tomorrow include plans for school playgrounds to ensure shaded areas and for authorities to hand out "sun protective clothing".