COMMENT:

During this coronavirus pandemic, we are forever being told by politicians about the balancing act between keeping the public safe and keeping the economy going.

But it’s not just been a consideration during the pandemic.

The health of the public and, in particular, the obesity levels throughout weighed against the need to encourage businesses in our community have been a running concern for years.

And it has been a bone of contention in the community for just as long.

The latest example in our midst is the decision to block plans for a new hot food takeaway in Hetton.

While it would have brought a new business into the area, the fears for the health of local residents ultimately resulted in the plans being thrown out by planning chiefs.

Yes there were concerns for increased traffic, parking issues, litter and worries about a detrimental effect on other retailers, but it was health that tipped the balance.

The concerns are well founded. According to the latest childhood obesity data from the National Childhood Measurement Programme, the obesity rate for Year 6 pupils in the Hetton ward is 20.3% and for reception pupils it is 10.8%.

We don't want a nanny state micromanaging our every move, but this takeaway policy is well-founded and in the public interest. We welcome it.