WHITEHALL is ploughing �30 million in a drive to tackle obesity in London’s East End and eight other areas. It has chosen Tower Hamlets—with one of Britain’s worst statistics for obesity among children—for a slice of the cash to create a healthier population by March, 2011
WHITEHALL is ploughing �30 million in a drive to tackle obesity in London's East End and eight other areas.
It has chosen Tower Hamlets-with one of Britain's worst statistics for obesity among children-for a slice of the cash to create a healthier population by March, 2011. The 'healthy town' programme is part of a wider strategy being rolled out across the country.
The level of obesity in Tower Hamlets has been causing concern in the medical profession, with recent Department of Health figures revealing 15 per cent of children aged four and five are obese, half-as-much again as the national average.
Future plans to deal with obesity include a reward scheme for cafes, restaurants and shops selling healthy food, offering more free or subsidised swimming lessons for women and training more women lifeguards.
Grants between �1,000 and �15,000 are also being made available for community groups to set up health projects.
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