Health officials are working hard to prevent a new fast-food outlet from opening in Britain's most obese town.
Eighty percent of the population in Ebbw Vale, South Wales, are categorized as obese due to their reliance on high-calorie takeaway meals, according to a report released earlier this year.
A staggering 73 percent of all restaurants in the Welsh valleys town are takeaways — and some residents have a habit of consuming fast food three times daily.
The upcoming takeaway is set to open in the challenging former steel town, which currently features 15 kebab outlets and just a single vegetable seller.
In addition, there are pizza shops, classic fish and chips outlets, Indian and Chinese restaurants spread throughout the town, where 14,500 individuals were working in the steel industry during the 1960s.
Women residing in the local county of Blaenau Gwent experience the shortest life expectancy across the entire UK, while men in the region have the lowest life expectancy in Wales.
According to data from the Welsh Government, 78 percent of the population in the county are overweight, with an impressive 37 percent classified as obese.
These startling figures have prompted health board officials to intervene following the announcement that the former Beautilounge salon might be converted into a 'takeaway and drinking venue.'
The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board has also rejected the proposal, along with the Blaenau Gwent Food Partnership, which advocates for better nutrition in the region.
A report directed at planners stated: 'The health board has raised concerns, arguing that greater availability of unhealthy food retail outlets may be linked to higher rates of weight gain in the general population, as well as increased instances of living with overweight/obesity and unhealthy eating habits among children in low-income areas.'
They recommend that the site's location is unsuitable because of the large number of existing hot food takeaway outlets and restaurants that sell food and beverages high in fat, salt, and sugar.
The planning report will be presented to council members later this week, as the suggested project deviates from the county's local development plan.
However, planners state that there is no prior example to reject it based on health reasons.
It cautions that it could be ineffective since there are no regulations that "limit the availability of fast-food takeout."
Blaenau Gwent Food Partnership stated that maintaining the building as a retail space is 'essential' for a vibrant high street.
The group stated that another fast-food restaurant would have an already excessive number of takeaways and could worsen the existing public health situation.
Blaenau Gwent planners stated: 'Although their worries are acknowledged, the prior usage as a beauty salon and shop has attracted minimal attention.
The suggested application is deemed appropriate in this case and leads to the use of an empty unit.
The structure has remained vacant since the beauty salon ceased operations in January and has been available for sale during this period, with only five inspections conducted.
Planners mention that there is just one other takeaway located in this particular area of Ebbw Vale and will advise the council to endorse the proposal.
The report stated: 'It is believed that the use could lead to a rise in visitors to the area and contribute more positively to the vibrancy and sustainability of the town centre.'
Overall, the exit is considered reasonable in this instance.
This year, residents of Ebbw Vale expressed their frustration at being viewed as a 'freak show' by YouTubers.
Well-known content creators have recently arrived in the town, including Canadian 'gymfluencer' Will Tennyson, who produces YouTube videos on fitness, food, and lifestyle topics.
Tennyson, who boasts nearly four million followers on YouTube, dined like the locals during his trip, including enjoying a 'Big Daddy' full English breakfast packed with more than 2,000 calories.
However, part of the town's overweight community desires YouTubers such as Tennyson to refrain from coming.
A woman in her late twenties, who chose not to reveal her identity or be photographed, stated: 'We are not a spectacle for others to mock and make fun of.'
Individuals face poor nutrition in this area due to financial constraints, insufficient knowledge, and a lack of employment opportunities.
It's simple to claim that individuals in Ebbw Vale are making poor decisions, yet for certain people, they don't have any alternatives.
The town is home to 15 kebab outlets, in addition to Indian and Chinese takeout places, pizza restaurants, and fried chicken joints.
The lines at the town's McDonald's are among the longest in the nation, with employees informing Tennyson that they often encounter the same patrons up to four times daily.
Factory production supervisor Jay Brown said to the Daily Mail: 'It portrays the town in a negative way and points out a weakness in Ebbw Vale, which is generally a pleasant town.'
There's a valid explanation for it being Britain's heaviest town, stemming from insufficient education and comprehension.
Retired pub owner Lynne Tuttle, 72, remarked: 'It's not beneficial for the town's reputation. While there are many takeaway options there, people still have alternatives.'
Jack Bailey, 21, who was raised in the town, stated: 'It's somewhat excessive, this YouTuber arrives at 10 stone and returns claiming he weighs 20 stone. That's not beneficial for Ebbw Vale or for him.'
The town's sole greengrocer, French 'n Fruity, had no patrons during our visit, whereas Greggs bakery across the street was bustling with business.
Along the main street, at the discount supermarket Heron Foods, duty manager Sarah Leverage stated that the store's top-selling product is ready-made meals.
Sarah, 21, who was involved in Tennyson's 40-minute video, mentioned: 'There have been three different content providers here because it's the fattest town in the country.'
It doesn't improve the town's image, but it could bring attention to the issues we face here.
Currency trader Jordan Jukes, originally from Ebbw Vale, also featured in Tennyson's video titled How Much Weight Can I Gain in the World's Most Obese Town?
Jordan, 30, stated: "It's unfortunate, but he didn't completely destroy the town - he mentioned it was nice but destined to fail, and he's correct."
We have a single greengrocer and numerous kebab shops.
Read more- Is Ebbw Vale genuinely considered the UK's 'heaviest town', facing a surplus of fast food options and rising obesity levels?
- Is the concerning dependence on fast food in Ebbw Vale endangering public health, with just one greengrocer struggling against 55 food delivery shops?
- Are poverty and insufficient education responsible for Ebbw Vale's high obesity rates, as residents voice their concerns about critical YouTubers?
- While Ebbw Vale fights against obesity, are residents caught in a cycle of poor diet and economic difficulties?
- Is the new chip shop in North Wales the key to addressing Britain's growing obesity problem?