No more takeaways

Living within close proximity to fast food takeaway outlets has been associated with rates of obesity and weight gain. Calorie-for-calorie, unhealthy food (typically foods high in fat, sugar and/or salt) costs less than healthy products such as fruits and vegetables.  Over half of British adults have experienced an increase in the number of fast food shops on their nearest high street since they started living there.

Reducing the concentration and clustering of hot food takeaways within an area, and restricting permission for hot food takeaways within close proximity to schools, will have both direct and indirect health benefits.

Reducing access and consumption of the types of foods sold at hot food takeaways (particularly those containing high levels of trans-fat, saturated fat, salt and sugar) will contribute towards achieving a decline in overweight and obesity levels, and reduce the risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.

Many local authorities have developed policies and guidance to control hot food takeaways in response to local concerns about a proliferation of takeaways and the effect on diets and eating behaviour and obesity, in particular childhood obesity.

Here in Thornaby, we have an ongoing issue with the constant creation of fast food takeaways, so much so our area is now becoming saturated with unhealthy, money generating businesses that has a long lasting impact, often to the health of our community.

Over the years Stockton Borough Council has granted permission to numerous developers to allow the operating of fast food or a change of use to a building. In my eyes the health reports far outweigh the positives for these types of establishments. In the Councils 'Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy' that was published in 2012 it set out the following vision:

~ Give every child the best start in life

~Enable all children, young people and adults to maximise their capabilities and have control over their lives

~ Create fair employment and good work for all

~ Ensure a healthy standard of living for all

~ Create and develop healthy and sustainable places and communities

~ Strengthen the role and impact of ill-health prevention

The report went on to say "We aim to improve and protect our resident's health and to improve the health of the poorest fastest" - In my opinion the opposite is occurring.

There is a strong relationship between socioeconomic deprivation (as measured by the 2010 Index of Multiple Deprivation score) and obesity prevalence in children. Thornaby has a high rate of those living in poverty, most families are turning to junk food due to its low costs and filling nature. I may be speaking out of turn when I say that that many families turn to junk food due to the lack of education within the Kitchen, I made a blog update about that back in 2014. 

The close proximity of the latest applications to two primary schools is of concern to me and I would hope also of high concern for Stockton Borough Council. I am in the process off drafting a letter to Stockton Borough Council and to Deputy Leader Jim Beall and the Director of Public Health, Professor Peter Kelly to ask why the council are dragging it's feet on bringing in policies that ensure a healthy and sustainable community.