THE spread of payday loan firms, betting shops, cheap off-licences and fast food takeaways in Southampton could be halted in a council crackdown.

Councillors from all parties are concerned at the “unwelcome spread” of the premises, especially in high streets like Shirley and Burgess Road.

The council is now looking into ways to regulate the number of new premises in the city or limit the amount that can set up in one place.

Lib Dem group leader Ad-rian Vinson tabled a motion to adopt planning regulations allowing them to regulate the number of betting shops and payday lenders and ban new fast food takeaways opening near schools.

The call for limits on fast food outlets is in line with the Daily Echo’s Staying Alive campaign, which aims to get the health of the city’s residents.

Cllr Vinson said: “This seeks to address issues which are concerning for three reasons. Firstly, it looks to tackle poverty, because, as we are all too aware, the pressures on people on low incomes can result in people resorting to payday loans and gambling. Secondly, there are issues of health and wellbeing. We know obesity is a serious problem among children in our city and fast food outlets contribute towards that. And thirdly there is a question over the sustainability of our district centres and high streets.”

City council cabinet member for health and adult social care Dave Shields tabled an amended motion which added cheap off licences to the proposals and also requested that the Government cap payday lending rates.

He wants the council to come up with a “comprehensive strategy” which could involve using planning or licensing powers to limit the number of new premises or limit the amount that can set up in one place.

He said: “As an authority we now have responsibility for public health and I think we can start thinking imaginatively about how we can use our powers to make changes that might not cost the earth but could make a big difference.”

After Cllr Shield’s mo-tion was approved officers were asked to look into potential regulations and report back in six months.

John Richards, chief officer at Southampton City Clinical Commissioning Group, welcomed the idea, saying: “There is concern nationally that the proliferation of fast food outlets is contributing to the growing problems we face with obesity in this country, particularly involving young people.

“Obesity is already having an impact on life expectancy and the quality of life of many people, and is one of our joint priorities in the city’s health and wellbeing strategy.”