🚫🍟 Can Ebbw Vale Handle Another Takeaway? 🍟🚫
Ebbw Vale, often labelled as the UK’s “fattest town,” is making headlines again! Health officials and a healthy food partnership are raising concerns over a new takeaway. Local businessman Greg Williams has plans to convert a former beauty salon at 49 Bethcar Street into a fast-food haven. But is Ebbw Vale ready for even more temptation?
With fast food joints already making up a whopping 73% of the town’s food spots, worries are mounting. Aneurin Bevan University Health Board is stepping in, having failed to stop a similar proposal in Pontypool. They argue that more takeaways could worsen obesity rates, especially in low-income areas.
Stats show Blaenau Gwent, the region Ebbw Vale belongs to, had 125 fast food places per 100,000 residents back in 2018. Fast forward to 2023, and it’s jumped to 142 per 100,000. “Too many takeaways,” they’re crying, but the planning committee isn’t bound by policies to curb fast food outlets.
Local food partnerships push for preserving the retail character of the high street. They claim another takeaway threatens the area’s health and appeal. Despite the objections, planners highlight the new takeaway could breathe life into an otherwise empty space.
The planning decision is hanging in the balance. Will a new takeaway spice up Ebbw Vale’s high street, or is it serving up more than the community can chew? Your thoughts! 🤔
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