Health boss in call not to give in to KFC and co

A TYNESIDE health boss has urged MPs to ensure that new government rules don't weaken the work done to reduce child obesity and limit the number of new takeaways opening.

- SAM VOLPE Reporter

Alice Wiseman

Alice Wiseman, director of public health for both Newcastle and Gateshead, told members of the Health Select Committee about the success in bringing down child obesity in her areas - and said there was a concern that new planning guidance doesn't go far enough.

In 2015, rules were introduced in Gateshead that blocked new hotfood takeaways opening in council wards where 10 per cent or more of children were obese.

This has seen reductions in the number of takeaways - and more importantly in the rates of childhood obesity.