BOURNEMOUTH has one of the highest densities of fast food outlets for its population in the South West, new government figures have revealed.

There are nearly 4,000 takeaways in the region, according to a map published by Public Health England (PHE) yesterday.

The analysis shows the range of fast food outlets across the area, from 23 in Purbeck to 209 in Bournemouth.

Poole has 146 takeaways, and Christchurch has 48.

It means out of all local authorities in the South West, Bournemouth has the third highest rate of fast food outlets per 100,000 of the population.

Only Torbay and Bristol are higher.

Professor Debra Lapthorne, centre director for PHE South West, said the country was experiencing an “obesity epidemic”, with over a third of children in the South West overweight or obese by the time they leave primary school.

“Over a fifth of adults and children eat takeaway meals at home more than once a week,” she said.

“In the South West we have a number of coastal towns and cities that benefit from the tourism trade each year, and part of the experience of many visitors to these areas is to enjoy a treat such as fish and chips by the seaside when on holiday. However these foods, which are high in salt, fat and sugar, should only be eaten in moderation and as part of a healthy diet.

“We are working with partners across the South West to support families to eat more healthily and be more physically active through campaigns such as Change4Life."