Sir,

I have followed with interest and concern the arguments about the proposed development between the comprehensive school and Dixton roundabout both in your pages and on Facebook.

There appears to be two opposing views forming – one for McDonald's and one against – but if you read what residents are saying, you will see that this is not the case.

The majority (and I concede it is not all) are not against McDonalds, Costa or Marsdens, but are against the siting of fast food outlets next to the comprehensive school.

If any of these businesses were to be sited in the town centre I am sure they would be welcomed with open arms by the majority.

We already have a well patronised Costa on Monnow Street and it would be very strange if anyone tried to put forward the argument that McDonald's was any less healthy than kebabs or fish and chips.

Huw Lewis, the Minister for Education and Skills, is presently redrafting the Healthy Eating in Schools regulations.

Included in the consultation document is the statement: 'The aim of this Regulation is to ensure a consistent and coherent approach to promoting healthy eating across the entire school day.'

There are guidelines about what types of food schools should provide and a duty imposed upon the local authority to ensure governing bodies follow the guidelines.

It would seem a serious misjudgement of the local authority (Monmouthshire County Council) to pressure the comprehensive school into providing 'healthy' food and then give permission for two fast food outlets to be placed against the school fence to tempt the 1,700 teenagers at the school.

Let's have some common sense. We welcome all businesses, whatever they are trading, into the town centre but placing fast food outlets next to a school is just plain daft.

Bob Hayward,

County Councillor

(Dixton with Osbaston)