Schools to ban junk food from being sold nearby

ICE cream vans and burger trucks won’t be able to sell food near Salford schools during lunchtime – unless the local headteacher allows it.

Councillors in the city have approved tighter controls around trading in a bid to get kids eating healthier and cut childhood obesity.

Town hall chiefs in neighbouring Trafford could also soon agree to a junk food crackdown near schools – a first for the borough.

Salford was one of the first places in Greater Manchester to introduce new rules around the number – and opening hours – of takeaways and fast food outlets near schools.

Bosses have now gone even further, introducing strict limits on ice cream and burger vans.

Salford’s new rules will mean that during term time, vendors won’t be able to trade within 100 metres of a school during lunchtime – and for 15 minutes after the school day ends – unless the headteacher gives permission. The overhaul will also see new Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) criminal background checks introduced in trader application forms. Vehicles will also have to display ID plates with traders’ food hygiene rating. Trading consent will be refused if the rating is below three stars. A council report said DBS checks would be ‘beneficial’, referencing an ‘ice cream van driver who had his consent refused due to criminal convictions for aggressive behaviour’. Coun David Lancaster, lead member for environment and community safety at Salford town hall, said: “The new rules now mean that people can quickly see if a business is trading legally and what food hygiene rating they have before they buy any food. “We’ve also tightened up the rules so fast food and ice cream vans cannot trade near schools without consent. “People will be able report traders not displaying their plate so we can take action. The aim is to make sure that food standards in Salford are the best they can possibly be for our residents.” If the plan in next-door Trafford is approved, takeaways could either be prevented from opening within 400m – or 10-minute walk – of a school, or have their opening times restricted.