URGENT action is being demanded to tackle childhood obesity rates in Otley and Yeadon.

New statistics show that nearly a fifth of all ten year olds in the area are obese, while the ward is one of the worst ten in Leeds for obesity among four year olds.

The figures were extracted from data in the Annual National Child Measurement Programme (NCMP) Report 2014-15.

They reveal that nearly 18 per cent of Year 6 children in Otley and Yeadon are rated obese - which the NHS defines as 'very overweight with a lot of body fat'.

For Reception age children that figure is 9.5 per cent, almost one in ten.

The ward's Leeds City Councillors (all Lib Dem, Otley & Yeadon) are calling on the authority to adopt urgent measures to tackle the problem.

Cllr Sandy Lay said: "Nearly one in five of ten year olds in Otley and Yeadon are obese and I don't want that to be their future - whether it is through promoting healthier activities, supporting health and nutrition education or assisting families to access facilities, the council must help this figure to fall.

"As a nurse I come face to face with the serious effects obesity can have on someone’s life every day.

"It's not just diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease or cancers that affect patients but everyday problems like reduced mobility, breathing difficulties and sleep problems.

"These are the less obvious impacts that result in isolation, loneliness and early death in later life."

Cllr Colin Campbell said: "I have been calling for years for Leeds to introduce planning policies to limit the number of hot food takeaways in shopping areas and beside schools.

"I am pleased the council is beginning to move in that direction, with a proposed ban on new takeaways within 400 metres of school gates, but the result of its inaction can clearly be seen in these figures."

Cllr Ryk Downes added: "The ward has many activities that could be promoted from the Sailing and Activity Centre at Yeadon Tarn to Otley Chevin and its surrounding forest park.

"We must act now or it will be too late for the next generation."

The council's Executive Member for Health, Wellbeing and Adults, Councillor Rebecca Charlwood, responded: "We take the complex issue of child obesity very seriously and have invested across the city in a range of programmes and training for practitioners working with families.

"We know eating and activity habits are formed early, so at Otley Children’s Centre for example families are able to attend groups including Baby Weigh, breastfeeding support, mini-movers and Health Exercise and Nutrition and Exercise for the Really Young which provide help.

“The council is committed to prevention and early intervention and is leading on developing a new Leeds Child Healthy Weight Plan, using the findings from the NCMP report to inform the focus of action.

"There are a wide range of other services the council provides to support this agenda including Active Schools and the Health and Wellbeing Service."