THE school dinners debate is heating up in Bromsgrove, as Worcestershire County Council's latest scrutiny exercise looks at healthy eating in schools.

A task group of seven councillors, which includes Councillor Sean Shannon (Lab-Bromsgrove West), will look at the educational effects of a poor diet, the current situation regarding obesity, and what the council can do about it.

Councillors will speak to doctors, dieticians, nutrition experts, educational behaviour experts, school nurses, teachers and catering suppliers. They are also keen to hear the views of the public, especially parents who are worried about what their child eats.

The task group will then present its findings to the county council's cabinet and the report will help formulate the local authority's future policy.

Cllr Shannon said: "The importance of healthy food has been realised in recent years. Rather than obesity we will be focusing on the way food effects children's behaviour and concentration. I will be visiting Bromsgrove schools to look at what can be done, and we are also trying to get rid of fizzy drinks machines from schools.

"The Government is putting its money where its mouth is by putting £250m into school dinners over the next few years, and aims to have a kitchen in all schools by 2008," he added.

Those interested in having their say can call the scrutiny team on 01905 766619, or email scrutiny@worcestershire.gov.uk