Health chiefs try to block new takeaway in UK’s ‘fattest town’

Ebbw Vale has an obesity crisis

- ELGAN HEARN Local democracy reporter

A WELSH health board and a obesity food partnership have stepped in to try to block yet another takeaway in a town with the unwanted unofficial label of the UK’s “fattest town’.

Plans have been submitted by Greg Williams to convert a former high street beauty salon into a takeaway in Ebbw Vale.

Councillors on Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council's planning committee will consider a report today regarding an application submitted by Mr Williams to turn the former salon at 49 Bethcar Street into a fast-food takeaway shop.

He submitted the plans in March to turn the premises from a commercial business into a takeaway and drinking establishment.

Aneurin Bevan University Health Board, which serves the entire Gwent region, has raised objections to the proposal. It comes after the health board was unsuccessful in attempting to block plans for a Greggs in nearby Pontypool.