THE recent division by the council to invite mobile food vendors into the town centre flies in the face of all attempts made by the NHS on obesity awareness.

Obesity is probably one of the most worrying issues to face the NHS in the 21st century; indeed, it is claimed that it has now reached epidemic proportions. A recent news item stated that the Midlands is now recognised as being one of the worst affected areas in the country, costing the health service some £50 million a year in dealing with obesity and associated illness.

Stoke-on-Trent has commissioned a piece of research to establish the possibility of a link between obesity and easy access to fast food. A Bromsgrove doctor has penned a publication on Childhood Eating Problems to coincide with the current Obesity Awareness week.

Bromsgrove already has a large number of fast-food outlets stretching from Worcester Road through the town centre right up to Birmingham Road. Why, oh why, does this council seek to encourage more fast-food vendors to congregate in the town centre? Licensing more hot-dog and burger stands is poorly thought out and goes totally against all current thinking.This is nothing more than an attempt by this council for short-term profit, rather than showing concern for the long-term health of the general public, and of the youth in particular.

M Pugh,

Rubery.