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Obesity


I recently read an article in the local paper that highlighted the increase in Childhood Obesity on Teesside and this is an issue that has been on my mind quite a bit over the last couple of years.

I have spent many hours campaigning against takeaway applications and this year started an adult cooking programme to teach parents how to cook healthy meals on a budget. Unfortunately Obesity and Poverty go hand in hand and in the more deprived areas around the country what you will see is a larger presence of fast food outlets and takeaways.

Here in Thornaby we have our fair share of takeaways and drive thru's and whilst I am against the high fat, high sugar and low nutrient food that is served, I am always aware of the investment and job creation that comes with these establishments.

However I do have the view that these places should not be developed near Schools, yet my last campaign to stop the local authorities giving permission to two new units to be converted to takeaways fell on deaf ears, although there was already 5 food outlets within 150 feet.

But this is where the problems begin. The local authorities are yet to put in place a motion allowing planning committees to reject applications on health grounds. Since then another takeaway has opened and there is a planned food outlet for Havelock Street that is currently being developed.

A lot of people will say "who am I to tell people what to eat" and the truth is I am someone who spent a lot of time putting my money into the pockets of takeaway owners and the outcome is plain to see. I have also spent a lot of money on the sugary drinks, however these drinks usually come with the meal when you spend a certain amount.

Until we change our eating habits and change the way we see what these places do, nothing is going to happen, but we need the authorities on our side.



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