THE council has hit back at claims fizzy drinks in its leisure centre vending machines undermine a new campaign aimed at getting families to ditch sugary pop.

It launched GULP (Give Up Loving Pop) alongside Food Active this week in a bid to encourage children in particular to make healthier lifestyle choices.

Some have been quick to point out that vending machines contain fizzy drinks in the Northgate Arena and other leisure facilities run by Brio Leisure on behalf of the authority.

But both Brio and Cheshire West and Chester Council (CWaC) have stressed that the vast majority of drinks are sugar-free, apart from energy drinks which are aimed at gym users.

Elly McFahn, managing director of Brio Leisure, said: “Within Brio Leisure centres all of the drinks in the vending machines are sugar free, apart from a couple of sugar options which were reintroduced following complaints after their withdrawal.

“There are water bottles too and there are also energy drinks for people working out who need added calories, and which are designed for that purpose.

“We sell a variety of fruit juices, milk, etc. in the cafes to broaden the options on healthy choices. We have a wide cohort of users who want choice on consumption, so it’s about finding a balance to meet both.”

CWaC’s cabinet member for communities and wellbeing, Cllr Louise Gittins, qdded: “The GULP campaign is the first stage of our sugar reduction work here in west Cheshire. Vending machine provision is an area of work we are looking at within our Eat Well Be Active Partnership Group.

“It’s an ambition within our Eat Well Be Active Strategy for the council to sign up to the Local Authority Declaration on Healthy Weight which encourages provision of healthy foods and drinks within our buildings including vending machines. Signing up to the declaration is due to go to Cabinet on February 6.”

GULP involves working with schools with nominated pupils and staff having already received training as part of a Change4Life Champions course.

The recommended daily maximum of sugar in a person’s diet is no more than five cubes of sugar for four to six year olds, six cubes for seven to ten year olds and seven cubes for 11 years and older, including adults. One can of Cola can contain nine cubes alone.

Experts stress that sugar is not necessary in the diet and can cause a host of health issues from tooth decay and obesity to heart disease and type 2 diabetes. Excess sugar intake has also been linked to certain cancers.

Families can find out more about the GULP campaign online at www.giveuplovingpop.org.uk