TRYING to strike a balance between today’s demands for fast food and promoting a healthy lifestyle is not easy.

It’s certainly been difficult for Bolton Council when it comes to approving takeaways and other fast food outlets. Unfortunately, the balance is tipping slightly away from good sense – Bolton has the second highest rate for fast food outlets in Greater Manchester, new figures show.

The only glimmer of light in this worrying gloom is that many fast food outlets are also trying to offer healthy alternatives. A different mindset on meals is needed, though, to encourage more people to eat better.