I write in response to your article “One child in every 25 in final year of primary school is acutely obese” (24 July). As the piece highlighted, childhood obesity is a national issue but one that we are tackling proactively here at South Tyneside council. Reducing obesity and promoting healthy lifestyles among our children and young people in particular are among our top priorities and limiting exposure to unhealthy food choices is one of the ways we can do this.
Last year we adopted new planning guidance that seeks to refuse planning permission for takeaways in wards where the level of obesity for year 6 pupils is more than 10%. And only last month the council for the first time used this new guidance to reject a planning application for a town centre takeaway, citing childhood obesity levels in the area as one of the grounds for refusal. Managing the proliferation of fast food outlets is a key tool in our fight against obesity and health inequalities.
Councillor Iain Malcolm
Leader, South Tyneside council
• Shocking obesity figures confirm the need for government and schools to encourage more active lifestyles. The number of children leaving primary school severely obese has hit record levels, with one in 25 pupils aged 10 and 11 in the most obese category.
Childhood obesity is one of the biggest health threats facing the UK and it’s getting worse. It’s not just about eating better but about keeping active – and swapping the school run for a school walk is an excellent way to start.
All schools should be using their recently doubled PE and sport premium budget – funded by the “sugar tax” – on active travel initiatives which help enable and encourage more families to walk to school, reducing inactivity, congestion and air pollution.
Joe Irvin
CEO, Living Streets
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