Liberal Democrats on Redcar & Cleveland Council are concerned that the Labour bosses are not treating childhood obesity seriously enough.

In the council’s “Our Plan” document, a target has been set for the percentage of children in reception year at school who are classed as obese.

The target set for 2012-13 is 11.2%, even though the actual figure for 2011-12 is only 9.4%.

Liberal Democrat Councillor Josh Mason raised the issue at a Council meeting yesterday, but received no answer.

Cllr Mason, who represents Zetland ward, commented:

“The health of our young children is essential if they are to live happy and fulfilling lives.”

“It sounds from these figures as though Labour is already admitting defeat.”

“Indeed, it sounds as though Labour want children to get fatter!”

“If they are serious about tackling the problem they need to be setting themselves much more ambitious targets than this.”