By Eric White

PARENTS in Harlow have said they are “delighted” at Tesco’s decision to stop selling sweets and chocolates at checkouts at its smaller stores.

The decision means the Tesco Metro Store in the Harvey Centre will now be restricted in what it can sell in an effort to help customers make healthier choices.

Larger Tesco stores, of which are there are two in Harlow, based on Church Langley Way and Edinburgh Way, have not been allowed to sell sweets at checkouts for over 20 years.

Jon Tolin, 48, said: “I think it’s a great decision.

“I have two little daughters at home this pleases me a lot.

“I would like to think they could grow up not always being tempted by sweets.”

Sally Jackson, 36, said: “I am delighted with this decision.

“I don’t think it’s fair on the kids to show them all these sweets.

“It is bad for their health and makes it really difficult for parents like me to ensure they eat right.”

Tesco also said sweets and chocolates would also be removed from areas around the tills and not stacked at a child’s eye level.

This follows a report last month on the issue, entitled Checkouts Checked Out, which found that in many cases, junk food was positioned at children’s eye level, prompting them to pester for sweets, crisps and soft drinks.

Another resident in Harlow also felt the decision may benefit adults as well as children.

Jasmine Thompson, 24, said: “I always go in the metro.

“I think people of an older age are tempted by sweets although I do think the main help is with the parents.

“I think it will help me as I won’t have the option to buy the sweets.

“You never really realise how much it influences you until something like that stops.”