WORCESTER'S fast food addiction has come under fire from residents - who say they want a 'cap' on the number of takeaways to be extended into the city centre.

As the Worcester News revealed yesterday, the city has been highlighted in an NHS junk food map as having the third highest number of takeaways per head in the entire West Midlands, behind only Sandwell and Stoke.

Our readers say planning rules should be looked at afresh to see if a limit can be put on any more, with the current number at 101.

Some are also questioning the wisdom of KFC securing planning permission for a drive-through off Nunnery Way, something which was approved only last week.

At the moment the city council 'caps' takeaways at 20 per cent of retail units along all corridor routes into Worcester, like London Road and Lowesmoor, but not the main shopping area.

St John's resident John Patten, aged 60, a former postman, said: "You go into the city centre and it looks beautiful now, but the only thing letting it down is takeaways.

"I don't know why they don't say no more in the city centre, maybe I'm being unrealistic but it would help the appeal of Worcester.

"I love the chippy, I'm not having a go at anyone who runs a takeaway but this is one thing the council can help on."

Another householder in Warndon, who only wanted to be known as 'Margaret', said: "I am not bothered about takeaways per se, it's the litter people drop after being in one.

"Kids tend to use them and they have no respect. It's ironic how only last week we're told Worcester is getting another KFC, why do we need more."

Writing on our website a poster called Mama-Cuddles said: "We have been making this point for months now.

"Yet every other week we hear of another eaterie opening up in Worcester, but did anyone in authority stop to consider what they are turning Worcester into?

"What next, heart attack or obesity capital of the UK."

But some said Worcester still needs a Burger King, while others pointed to market forces being at play.

A fellow website reader WJS posted: "No-one is forcing a gun to people's heads and asking them to go to these places.

"It's down to us to choose whether or not we visit them."

The city council says the South Worcestershire Development Plan (SWDP), a blueprint earmarking land for 28,370 homes and employment land by 2030, does offer guidance on limiting the opening of new takeaways - including not placing new ones next to each other.

KFC says its Worcester outlet will create jobs and offer a vast range of food including healthy options, with its restaurants being the first 'quick-serve' chain to display calories on menu boards.