A takeaway tax on new fast-food outlets opening in Medway should be considered in the battle to tackle the Towns' high level of obesity, according to Chatham MP Tracey Crouch.

She said the idea of a levy should be "explored" along with a number of other options, including encouraging people to exercise and cook more.

Shocking statistics released last month revealed Medway is the fourth fattest area in the country, with 30% of adults classed as obese. More than 20% of children in the Towns are overweight.

Miss Crouch, pictured left, said of the tax idea: "It is very interesting, it should be explored. We have to remember that these people pay business rates.

"We are trying to encourage businesses to open, but we just have to look at all these different issues and see what the pros and cons are."

Miss Crouch said she was against the idea of a 'fat tax', which would increase the price of items that are high in fat. The world's first fat tax was introduced in Denmark recently.

A Labour councillor in Oldham came up with the idea of charging each new takeaway £1,000 before it could open.

The money raised would fund healthy eating campaigns and litter picking.
One of the considerations Medway Council makes when it is looking at planning applications is its proximity to schools.

Cllr David Brake, portfolio holder for adult services, said: "All new applications are viewed very closely.

"We would like to move towards having no fast food outlets within a certain number of yards of a school."

Cllr Jane Chitty, who lost three stone when she ditched her bad eating habits, said people should take more responsibility for what they eat. She disagreed with the idea of a levy on takeaways.

"It's very depressing when you get overweight, but if you work at it the benefits are huge.

"Nobody can help you unless you help yourself. It is as simple as that."