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Burger vans face school roads ban Burger vans face school roads ban
(about 5 hours later)
Burger vans could be banned from trading on streets near secondary schools in Newport in an attempt to encourage healthy eating among pupils.Burger vans could be banned from trading on streets near secondary schools in Newport in an attempt to encourage healthy eating among pupils.
The council proposal follows concerns from education officials that the number of vans near schools is thwarting attempts to improve diets.The council proposal follows concerns from education officials that the number of vans near schools is thwarting attempts to improve diets.
The measure is also designed to reduce litter around schools.The measure is also designed to reduce litter around schools.
Welsh Education Minister Jane Davidson said improving the quality of food on offer in schools was "not enough".Welsh Education Minister Jane Davidson said improving the quality of food on offer in schools was "not enough".
The Welsh Assembly Government is currently consulting on recommendations to restrict junk food in schools.The Welsh Assembly Government is currently consulting on recommendations to restrict junk food in schools.
If approved by the council, the measure would make it a criminal offence to trade in the prohibited streets surrounding six high schools - Bassaleg, Hartridge, Caerleon, Bettws, St Julian's and Lliswerry.If approved by the council, the measure would make it a criminal offence to trade in the prohibited streets surrounding six high schools - Bassaleg, Hartridge, Caerleon, Bettws, St Julian's and Lliswerry.
This is a knee-jerk reaction by people more interested in public opinion than the health of future generations Karl, London Read your views
The measure has already received approval from the council's cabinet member for community safety and sustainability, Ray Truman.The measure has already received approval from the council's cabinet member for community safety and sustainability, Ray Truman.
He said: "We have worked hard to introduce a varied and healthy menu in Newport's schools, and I am pleased to propose these measures which will make it much harder for youngsters to be distracted by the easy availability of junk food so close to school premises."He said: "We have worked hard to introduce a varied and healthy menu in Newport's schools, and I am pleased to propose these measures which will make it much harder for youngsters to be distracted by the easy availability of junk food so close to school premises."
'Attention and concentration'
His cabinet colleague Bob Poole, who is responsible for young people's services, added: "Not only is it better for young people's health but also their education.His cabinet colleague Bob Poole, who is responsible for young people's services, added: "Not only is it better for young people's health but also their education.
"In schools where junk food is already restricted teachers have reported that children's attention and concentration levels have improved considerably.""In schools where junk food is already restricted teachers have reported that children's attention and concentration levels have improved considerably."
'Easy availability'
Ms Davidson said: "Improving the quality and the nutritional value of the food on offer in schools is not enough.Ms Davidson said: "Improving the quality and the nutritional value of the food on offer in schools is not enough.
"We have to work with our children to ensure they eat healthily both within and outside of school."We have to work with our children to ensure they eat healthily both within and outside of school.
"As the majority of food will be consumed outside of school hours, others also have an important role to play in influencing eating habits and lifestyles."As the majority of food will be consumed outside of school hours, others also have an important role to play in influencing eating habits and lifestyles.
"If the easy availability of junk food outside the school gates is removed and replaced by healthier options, we may encourage our children to take healthier lifestyles.""If the easy availability of junk food outside the school gates is removed and replaced by healthier options, we may encourage our children to take healthier lifestyles."
In June, nutrition experts commissioned by the assembly government published a report recommending a radical overhaul of school dinners in Wales, including restricting junk food.In June, nutrition experts commissioned by the assembly government published a report recommending a radical overhaul of school dinners in Wales, including restricting junk food.
The assembly government is currently consulting on its recommendations.The assembly government is currently consulting on its recommendations.