ONE part of the city has been singled out for having too many takeaways in a new report investigating food poverty.

St John’s in Worcester was highlighted in a report by public health officials at Worcestershire County Council for its “abundance” of takeaways and fast-food restaurants compared to the “distinct lack” of supermarkets and convenience stores.

Public health bosses said there was a relationship between high levels of deprivation and the number of takeaways in a given area and the lack of access to a balanced diet is said to be a major contributor to food poverty.

Figures in the report show the city has almost 113 takeaways and fast-food restaurants per 100,000 people – higher than the national average of 96.

READ MORE: Parts of city most deprived in country as children using food banks soars

Cllr Richard Udall, who represents the city’s St John’s ward, said the poverty in the city was the worst he had seen in more than 30 years serving as a councillor and the figures for food bank usage, free school meals and soup kitchens were “outrageous.”

St John’s and Dines Green was also highlighted as among the 10 per cent most deprived areas in the country.

The Co-op, then one of St John’s few remaining supermarkets, closed in April and could soon be replaced by retirement flats under new plans.

Almost 17 per cent of children and young people in Worcester live in poverty, according to the report.