MEMBERS of Dunmow Town Council have said no to unhealthy eating by turning down a request to park a burger van outside a school. However, Town Mayor Clive Smith, backed the local business saying they should be given a trial period before a final decision.

MEMBERS of Dunmow Town Council have said no to unhealthy eating by turning down a request to park a burger van outside a school.

However, Town Mayor Clive Smith, backed the local business saying they should be given a trial period before a final decision.

Cllr Smith said: "If they see a gap in the market then who are we to say no? I say good luck to them and let us give them a few weeks on a trial basis."

The proposal from Dunmow entrepreneur Nina Sheppard who lives on the Maltings received criticism from the rest of the council's downs and commons committee for "promoting unhealthy eating". They also expressed concerns over the amount of litter it could create.

Chairman Cllr Trudi Hughes said: "I think a burger van would have a detrimental impact on school pupils' healthy eating, but not only that, it would inevitably create more litter in a residential area, and will no doubt have an impact on Dunmow's High Street."

Cllr David Beedle said he would be "horrified" to see a burger bar selling chips, sausages, eggs and bacon, crisps, cakes and soft drinks outside the Helen Romanes School on Parsonage Downs and at the Skate Park on The Causeway.

"It is something the council should never support," he said.

Mrs Sheppard had applied to locate a van at the skate park between 10am and 4pm at weekends and throughout the week during summer holidays and said she would also consider parking at the school during lunchtimes.

In a letter to the council she wrote: "I would make sure that when I close the van the litter would be picked up. I feel this would be an ideal situation as it would save the children walking to Dunmow High Street in order to buy their lunch.

"I go [to the skate park] regularly with my son and there are a lot of children using this facility, especially at weekends and during school holidays."

In a vote last Thursday night the councillors agreed to refuse to allow the burger van to park on the council owned land.

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