Vending machines in council-run leisure centres, libraries and community facilities could soon only contain sugar-free and healthy snacks.

A group of Greenwich councillors have proposed the move in a bid to tackle rising obesity in the borough.

Concerned decision-makers have also called for greater scrutiny on what is being sold on the high streets amid a rise in the popularity of dessert parlours.

A band of Labour councillors have backed a motion calling for more to be done following national and local surges of overweight and obese residents.

The motion, which will be debated next week, reads: “Recent figures show Greenwich has a steadily rising percentage of children & young people with obesity, and therefore at risk of diabetes.

“We recognise we need to take even more action to improve this situation.

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“This motion proposes that vending machines found in our leisure centres, libraries and community centres should contain only healthy snack options, water and sugar-free drinks and sugar-free snacks.

“This motion also asks that future high street developments need closer scrutiny in terms of number of fast-food outlets and those establishments offering only sugar desserts on their menu.”

Figures published last year show just five other London boroughs as having worse rates for obesity and overweight adults.

Data shows that 58.9 per cent of adults in Greenwich are classified as obese or overweight.

On average one in three Greenwich’s youngsters are unhealthily overweight when they start secondary school.

The motion, backed by leader and deputy Danny Thorpe and David Gardner, finishes: “We cannot expect the excellent work in our schools alone to make the lifestyle differences unless we address the environment which provides too much easily accessible unhealthy food options.”

Councillors will consider and vote on the move at full council on January 30.