COUNCILLORS could get out and about to get a better idea of the food on offer to people.

As part of work in Pendle to tackle obesity, councillors will consider whether to visit venues across the borough in order to assess healthy food and drink options.

Council officer Lynne Rowland said: “According to research, obesity levels have risen in the UK from 15 per cent in 1993 to 27 per cent in 2015, with nearly two-thirds of adults in England overweight or obese (63 per cent).

“Obesity is a major public health problem due to its association with serious chronic diseases and the costs to both individuals and society as a whole. It is an issue that is being addressed by national government.

“Locally, healthy weight is a growing concern. The amount of childhood obesity in Pendle is greater than the national average, with 22.2 per cent of children aged 10-11 in the district classified as obese.

“One key element of delivering these programmes is to first gain an understanding of the extent of the healthy food and drink currently offered."

She added: “Panel members are therefore asked to consider visiting leisure venues/schools to collect the information directly.”