FAST food “exclusion zones” close to schools are back on the menu at Bolton Council.

The local authority is to re-visit the proposal after collating evidence for the last 10 months.

A meeting of the full council was told there was not yet sufficient evidence to make exclusion zones for takeaways part of official planning policy.

But executive member for regeneration, housing and skills, Cllr Ismail Ibrahim, promised the idea — which would prevent new fast food restaurants being opened close to primary and secondary schools — would be discussed at an future policy development group meeting.

The issue was raised by Lib Dem Cllr David Wilkinson who asked questions about introducing the policy last year.

Cllr Wilkinson asked what progress had been made and pointed to the recent example of St Helens, which has introduced a ban on new takeaways within 400 metres of schools.

He added: “Other local authorities have managed to do this, so why can’t we?

We are talking about ensuring certain things aren’t there for youngsters.

“The council is doing so much good with its school meals promotions and this would prevent the alternative, by use of the planning process.

“We’re not talking about existing premises but about making sure new applications aren’t outside the school gates.

“If we are really serious about protecting the health of children then we should do this.”

Figures show that, in Bolton, one-in-four 10-year-olds are obese when they start primary school with about one-in five children overweight when they start secondary school at the age of 11.

In St Helens, which brought a similar ban in last year, outlets that sell burgers, fried chicken, curries, kebabs and fish and chips are all banned from opening within 400 metres of a school.

Restaurants, cafes, bistros, pubs, wine bars, nightclubs and sandwich bars are not affected.

Cllr Ibrahim said: “The PCT and the council have been looking at this.

“It can be discussed at a future policy development group.”

Liz Forrest, press and publicity officer for the teaching uion Bolton Association of the NASUWT said: “We will make a comment when more detail is released and it is more appropriate to do so.”