Three Thornton Heath primary schools have a shocking 17 takeaways within 400 metres of their school gates. 

These figures emerged as London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan revealed plans to ban future fast food takeaways from opening near schools in a bid to tackle the capital’s child obesity epidemic. Paxton Academy and both Whitehorse Manor infant school and junior school are within a short distance of dozens of takeaways.

The Mayor will announce the policy in his draft London Plan in a bid to combat 40 per cent of children being obese or overweight by the time they finish a London primary school.

In addition, all chicken, fish and chip and pizza outlets will have to sign up to minimum healthy food standards before getting planning permission.

In October residents were urged to back a Croydon Council proposal to completely restrict new hot food take- aways opening in shopping parades with only changes to existing units being permitted.

Here in in Thornton Heath – Phunky Foods is working in partnership in a council-funded child weight management programme called Healthy Eagles which launches in the New Year.

The project is being delivered by experienced Palace For life Foundation staff and each week families will look at a different topics and sessions will promote a healthy habit. Sessions will also include physical activity.

The Healthy Eagles Programme will be delivered at Thornton Heath Leisure Centre and Winterbourne Youth Centre from January 2018. To find out more or to register your child, please contact the team on 020 8768 6047/07523515708, or email health @palaceforlife.org 

www.phunkyfoods.co.uk