BASILDON and Castle Point are a “ticking timebomb” of child obesity, recent statistics have revealed.

A report from Essex County Council’s health overview committee analysed the increasing national and local trend in the prevalence of obesity in children aged four to 11.

The analysis showed in Basildon and Castle Point obesity was prominent, particularly with Year 6 pupils, where between 19 and 21 per cent were clinically obese.

The report, which calls the obesity crisis a “ticking time bomb”, states the authority will look at new ways of commissioning services to tackle the problem.

It added health prevention should be firmly on the agenda of public health in Essex.

Councillor Margaret Fisher, said: “With obesity trends still increasing, a co-ordinated all-systems approach needs to be taken to look at a child’s community, home, school and local business environments and embed healthy living in those domains.

“National evidence suggests it is important to influence lifestyles at an early age as it is difficult to treat obesity once it is established. “

She added: “It is considered highly likely obese children will then become obese adults.

“More needs to be done to integrate existing and new services to improve their effectiveness and efficiency.”

The report said children from deprived backgrounds are twice as likely to be obese at both the start and the finish of primary school.

Kevin Blake, Basildon Councillor responsible for leisure and art, said: “I’m disappointed really. Parents need to make sure their children get exercise, rather than just sitting straight down to watch TV.

“Staying healthy doesn’t have to cost money. Families could go for bike rides, or walks.”

Mr Blake added: “We’re investing plenty into new open spaces, like in Pitsea and Laindon for example.

“I admit, it is hard, but in the long run it costs a lot more to keep on eating rubbish than to take a bit more time with your food and eat healthily.”

Castle Point Council is set to add a new exercise suite to Runnymede Pool, in Kiln Road, Thundersley.

John Anderson, a Canvey Island Independent Party councillor, said: “Anything that helps people look after themselves, promote health and prevent trips to the doctor or the hospital is a good thing.”