Takeaway bans bosses step up

COUNCIL PROPOSES ‘BUFFER’ ZONES NEAR SCHOOLS

Reporter EXCLUSION zones around schools and a ban on takeaway openings in areas of high childhood obesity have been proposed as part of tough new measures in Tyneside’s battle with the bulge.

South Tyneside Council has outlined plans to ban takeaway openings in wards where obesity levels for Year 6 pupils is more than 10% – which is currently the case for the entire borough.

The proposals would also seek to refuse applications for openings within 400m of a secondary school to restrict children’s access to unhealthy lunch or hometime options.

Coun Tracey Dixon, lead member for independence and wellbeing, insists the planned measures would aid the authority’s fight against growing obesity levels.

She said: “Health is a key priority for the council; and reducing the number of overweight and obese residents is a key measure of the success of our strategy.

“Managing the prevalence of hot food takeaways is important in promoting healthier living and tackling obesity levels.

“The adoption of this guidance into a supplementary planning document will help in our fight against unhealthy lifestyles and health inequalities.”

Similar proposals have been adopted in recent years by both Gateshead Council and Newcastle City Council.

If approved, ‘buffer’ zones of 400m would be established around eight schools in the South Tyneside area. The new measures would also include further consideration for neighbouring residents and amenities on future takeaway