SMOKING will be banned in enclosed public places in Wales from April 2 - meaning places like pubs, clubs and bars will become smoke-free zones.

So to prevent the nation's pavements turning into giant ashtrays, a Barry company has come up with an innovative cigarette disposal bin design.

Conka Design, based at the Innovation Quarter, Barry Waterfront, has invented the Cigibin - an attractive, affordable and environmentally friendly ashtray, which can be mounted on walls outside buildings.

Daniel Ashman, the company's new business director, said: "Some 2.2 billion cigarette butts are littered annually in Wales, and it's likely when the smoking ban is enforced this number will increase.

"We are proud one of our designs will play a major part in reducing litter on the streets of Wales. Personally I hate smoking in public places. I welcome the ban."

Conka Design was asked to come up with the concept by Merthyr Tydfil-based steel manufacturing company Design and Manufacture Limited.

Company director Phil Cork approached Conka after another of Daniel's designs impressed him - a pram that enables new mothers to get back in shape (Barry & District News, June 2006).

Cigibins, which are made out of a single piece of sheet steel, have already been supplied to a number of Welsh local authorities, restaurants and bars in time for the ban.

Conka Design was set up four months ago by recent design graduates Chris Facey, Mark Hodge, David Poole and Daniel Ashman.

The company covers all aspects of product design, however, it intends to go into product manufacturing in the future.

Daniel said: "We're really happy with what we've achieved so far, but we want to keep tapping into Welsh manufacturing companies, evaluating their products and look at what else they can do.

"At the moment we are product and graphic design, but in five years time we want to become the complete design solution."

Log on to www.conkadesign.co.uk to find out more about the company and its products.

* Are you a smoker? If so, how will you be affected by the ban? Are you thinking of giving up because of it, or will you continue to smoke where it is legal?

We want to hear your views, particularly if you are trying to kick the habit because of the ban.

Email us at barry news@gwent-wales.co.uk or post your comments on our website www.barryanddistrictnews.co.uk