In a bid to try and tackle the problem of obesity, the council's Environmental Health Team approached fish and chip takeaways in the borough to see if they would like to take part in this pilot.

Taking part in the project are the Arcade Chip Shop, Antrim; Chip and Chicken, Crumlin; D’Angie's, Randalstown; Fish and Chip Co, Antrim; Papa Joe's, Crumlin; Raffos Hot Food Bar, Antrim; Rolo's, Antrim; The Chippy, Antrim; Tober Chip Shop, Parkgate; Twisters, Toome; Waves, Randalstown.

"We were delighted at how enthusiastic they were about the scheme. Each of the businesses taking part in the project must make at least five changes to their takeaway menu, following advice from the Environmental Health team, to make it healthier," Sharon McQuillan, Lead Environmental Health Officer, said.

Each fish and chip takeaway which is taking part in the pilot is then eligible to apply for a grant from the council, funded by Environmental Health Northern Group Systems.

Some of the changes can include:

- Introducing healthier options for kid’s meals like offering a salad portion, a piece of fruit, bottle of water or pure fruit juice

- Using five hole salt dispensers, instead of the existing seventeen hole salt dispensers, in an effort to reduce the levels of salt added to meals

- Serving chunky chips which are lower in fat

- Introducing healthier meals deals such as a salad wrap or a baked potato and bottle of water

- Using semi-skimmed milk in milkshakes

- Using margarine instead of butter

- Displaying healthier lifestyle posters within the premises

Sharon added: "These changes and many more will be implemented over an eight week period. During this time, the takeaways will also display information and advice to their customers on healthier lifestyle choices through the use of pop-up stands and notice boards. We would urge you to show your support for the Healthier Takeaways Project by ordering from the ‘Healthier Options’ menu when you visit any of the above takeaways, thus encouraging them to adopt these changes permanently.”