FAST food takeaway numbers in Barnsley have increased by a staggering 60 per cent since 2010, according to latest figures which show the full extent of the town’s growing obesity problem.
A new analysis of government statistics revealed there are currently 140 outlets trading across the town - up from 80 eight years ago - and fast food now accounts for half of all Barnsley’s 280 eateries.
While the data shows the proportion of takeaways has decreased slightly during the period - from 55 per cent to 50 per cent - the town has seen a rise in their density per person.
In 2010, the rate per 100,000 people stood at 35, a figure that’s ballooned to 58 takeaways per 100,000 this year.
The figures, which were compiled by the BBC’s Shared Data Unit using information published by the Office for National Statistics, come weeks after Barnsley Council’s public health team announced a three-year project to reduce obesity levels in the town.
Alarmingly, a third of all children aged ten to 11 in Barnsley are classed as overweight or obese - and the Local Government Association (LGA), which represents councils, said more planning powers for authorities are required to prevent the clustering of takeaways.
Dr Alison Tedstone, from Public Health England, described the problem as an ‘epidemic’.
“We urgently need to take action to tackle child obesity and councils are playing their part, but they need more planning powers to tackle an epidemic which has made the UK one of the most obese nations in Europe.
“Councils appreciate that a flourishing hospitality sector is good for local economies and numerous authorities have set curbs on new fast food outlets, but current legislations means they lack planning powers to tackle the clustering of takeaways.
“New legislation is needed to empower councils to help drive forward an effective redesign of damaging food environments.”
Barnsley Council said the town faces a ‘challenge’ getting its residents to take on healthier lifestyle choices when there are so many on-the-go fast food options.
As well as this, the local authority has established a task and finish group in order to address the increase in takeaways.
A council spokesman said: “The data collected is fast food data, which is much more than just hot food takeaway outlets, so the figures give a more negative outlook than the real picture.
“Like many councils, Barnsley faces the challenge of getting the right balance between growing our town economy and keeping residents healthy. However it’s difficult to make healthier choices when there are so many takeaways, restaurants and cafes available.
“Food is one of the public health strategic priorities between 2018 and 2021. The ‘Food Plan’, approved by cabinet this month, is Barnsley Council’s response to the increasing levels of obesity in the borough.
“It proposes how the council and its partners can all contribute locally to improving health outcomes and health inequalities related to healthy weight and associated chronic illnesses and aims to raise awareness among residents about the importance of a healthy diet.
“In February, cabinet approved the ongoing work of a local hot food takeaway task and finish group which is working collaboratively to address the growth of fast food outlets.”
