Council to ban fast food outlets within 400m of schools

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 11:10 AM on 08th December 2008

 

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Fast food outlets will be banned from opening near schools and parks in Waltham Forest, east London (Posed by model)

 

A council is to ban fast food outlets from opening within 400 metres of schools and parks as part of a drive to improve children's health, it was revealed today.

Waltham Forest, east London will become the first local authority in the country to impose such rules.

 

Children's Secretary Ed Balls threw his weight behind the proposals earlier this year - insisting there was 'no point' banning junk food in schools if kids could get it nearby.

Council leader Clyde Loakes confirmed today that the restrictions would go ahead, after a public consultation found 93 per cent backed it.

 

'That is a really good endorsement,' he said. 'We would expected the measures to be in place by April.

 

'We have hundreds of fast food outlets in the borough, and there is a big issue to do with our children's health.

 

'We are trying to encourage them not to go out round lunchtime so they have a school meal or packed lunch.'

 

The council also hopes that the changes will reduce litter in the London borough.

Under the planning guidance, new hot food takeaways will not be allowed within 400 metres of schools, youth facilities, or parks.

There will also be a crackdown on takeaway 'zones' - with no more than two of the eateries allowed next to each other.

I like burgers but not always of course! That's a great news, children have to eat healthy :)

They won't be able to eat healthy until they ban fast food, and have healthy joints around

That's good to hear. Children should be eating healthy.

 

At my school, all fast food and anything that is junk is banned. There's no soda's or chips or anything like that anywhere. We like to eat healthy :cool:

why the fuck are they letting kids out of the school grounds in the first place? Kill two birds with one stone and reduce crime as well!