A TORY councillor believes council homes should be set aside for non-smokers and he doesn’t care “if smokers get cancer and die”.

Stephen Aylen, a Tory councillor for Belfairs, Leigh, made his views clear at a public meeting where he condemned the “damage” smokers caused to council properties.

He claimed additional redecorating and insurance was needed to house smokers and the costs were an unfair burden on the taxpayer, particularly non-smoking taxpayers.

Mr Aylen said: “I do not care if people who smoke get cancer and die.

“It is their choice to do it. But housing smokers does cost more money, when you think about the redecorating costs and the insurance costs. I think it is something we should be looking at.”