By Eric White

PEOPLE in Harlow think “it would be a massive step for the health of our children” for restaurants across the UK to offer free tap water to families eating out rather than waiting for customers to ask for it.

This comes after a body representing England and Wales said this would offer a healthy alternative to sugary drinks.

Councils are promoting the idea across the UK in order to tackle childhood obesity.

19 out of 20 members of the public in Harlow said they think the issue could “make a huge difference” to the problem.

Sally Wadsworth, 35, said: “I think that is definitely a massive step in the right direction for the health of our children.

“It is horrible some of the fizzy drinks and sweets kids often eat these days.

“I don’t think they would eat them if they weren’t so readily available so having water there when you eat is the least that can be done – I don’t know why it isn’t done anyway.”

Jason Butland, 25, said: “I have two kids myself and I always try and make sure they drink water.

“It is so important for them as everyone knows so having it there all the time at the restaurants would be ideal.”

All licensed premises have to provide free tap water in England, Wales and Scotland (not Northern Ireland) have to provide free tap water, but it often the case that people can forget when not offered before or during a meal.

A survey found that 15% of people who usually drink tap water at home never think of asking for water in cafes and restaurants.

Izzi Seccombe, community wellbeing spokeswoman at the Local Government Association, said: “While most restaurants will happily provide a glass of tap water on request, we’re saying it shouldn’t be something you have to ask for.

One in 10 children in England is obese at the start of primary school and that rises to one in five by the age of 11.

Chancellor George Osborne, recently announced a new sugar tax on the soft drinks industry to help tackle childhood obesity.

It will be introduced in 2018.