WREXHAM Council is to become one of the first authorties in Wales to ban the opening of new hot food takeaways close to schools.
Currently, 54 per cent of adults and one in four children in the county borough are classified as overweight or obese.
And council officers believe the banning of new takeaways opening within 400 yards of schools and tertiary colleges will help tackle the problem.
The issue was first considered by members of the council’s executive board last July who delayed a decision until officers came up with further information on how it can be implemented.
The board considered it again at their meeting yesterday and approved the policy.
It won warm support from Penycae and Ruabon South Cllr Joan Lowe who said:
“We have to change the culture of what peiople eat in their everyday lives.
“Wrexham should be proud to bring in such a policy.
“As a council this is something we ought to be taking the initiative on.”
But the policy got a cool reception from the lead member for health, Esclusham Cllr Mark Pritchard, who said: “I am not against health and wellbeing but I don’t believe this is fair.
“That is because we have mobile fish and chip shops in Wrexham that can operate where they want and do not need a licence.
“You could also get shops close to schools selling hot pies and sausage rolls. It’s a nonsense.”
Brynyffynnon Cllr Phil Wynn said: “I am worried that if we adopt this policy we could be accused of being busy-bodies and interfering in people’s lives.”
Members voted 9-1 to adopt the policy which will not apply to existing takeaways.