Barnsley aims to become ‘sugar-free borough’ in obesity crisis fight

SUGARY DRINKS have been barred from sale at Barnsley Council’s headquarters and vending machines removed from its buildings as the authority launches a strategy which could establish the town as a ‘sugar-free borough’. The council’s public health department is involved in work to combat smoking, excessive drinking and poor diets. Changing food habits is regarded as the most challenging of the three health threats to change, but it is starting with itself. In addition to cutting out full sugar drinks and removing vending machines, the cafe at the authority’s Westgate Plaza headquarters now provides calorific values for sandwiches it sells and council staff are working with prospective tenants at the new ‘Market Kitchen’ food hall in the Glass Works shopping centre under construction in the town centre, with the aim of providing a similar service and elsewhere in the town. Takeaway food outlets are being encouraged to offer ‘healthier’ choices and use salt shakers with smaller holes. Diane Lee, head of public health, said: “We are looking at the big things we know will make a difference and want to make Barnsley a sugar-free town. Our long-term goal is all food sold will have the calories displayed, every sandwich in every shop. That is a long way off, but it is about giving people the information to lower their sugar and calorie intake.” Policies on healthier eating appear to be paying off already, with the latest national statistics showing Barnsley has fewer overweight children than average. At reception age, 81 per cent were a healthy weight and 66.6 per cent at year six, both significantly better than regional and national averages, say the council.