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The Children’s Food Trust and LACA have responded to research by the Daily Mail that suggests over 5,000 takeaways and fast food outlets have opened in walking distance from schools in the past seven years.

The research compiled for the Daily Mail by Mapmechanics using the Ordnance Survey also found that one in four takeaway shops are located within a five minute walk of a primary or secondary school.

The total number currently stands at 15,327 fast food outlets, up from 9,700 in 2009. 528 outlets opened in the last 12 months alone.

Jo Nicholas, head of research at Children’s Food Trust, said: “We’ve always backed schools wanting to restrict children’s access to foods high in fat, sugar and salt right outside the school gates and we’ve welcomed local authorities using their planning powers to help.

“Wherever it’s possible for schools to have stay on site, it’s well worth doing – because schools who use it see the difference. But with so many fast-food outlets continuing to open near schools and the consequences of poor diet for children showing no sign of abating, the forthcoming child obesity strategy must set out better support for planners and elected members to consider and use health outcomes for children in their decision-making.”

The regions with the biggest increase are London (89% since 2009), Scotland (59%), north west (57%) and the west midlands (55%).

Peter McGrath, chair of LACA, added: “The rise in the number of fast food outlets in close proximity to schools across Britain is deeply worrying, most often food served in these outlets does not meet the standards set by the Government to ensure children get the right nutritional balance they need to grow and develop into healthy adults.

“School meals are legally bound to be nutritionally balanced as caterers follow Government standards legislation that regulates this. Meals cooked and served in schools are demonstrably more healthy than fast food and menus are designed to provide nutrition and variety as well as flavour.”