'Healthy towns' get £30m to battle the fat

The UK government has given nine areas the go-ahead to become “healthy towns” in a bid to combat obesity.

Some £30m of funding for the scheme will be split between Dudley, Halifax, Sheffield, Tower Hamlets in London, Thetford in Norfolk, Middlesbrough, Manchester, Tewkesbury and Portsmouth.

Each area must match the funding from the government to develop schemes relating to cycling, walking, healthy eating and green spaces.

Every town given “healthy town” status must promote healthy living.

Thetford is planning a “cycle recycle” project that supports people to buy and maintain bikes. Manchester will offer free activities and food to people who exercise, while Sheffield is intending to make its city “breast-feeding friendly”.