A SHOCKING report has revealed the health of residents in three run-down areas of Preston is in serious decline.

The report, by the Preston Community Health Council (CHC), says that people living in Deepdale, St Matthew's and Ribbleton wards are prime examples of the link between chronic ill health and deprivation.

The paper was presented to the North West Lancashire Health Authority last week, listing recommendations such as increase childcare and improved school meals.

Their aim is to improve the health of locals - and is at the top of their agenda.

But as CHC chief officer Angelene True explained, many other organisations must play a part in tackling the problem.

She said: "This is a fundamental report which identifies the health, and related needs, of people living Deepdale, St Matthew's and Ribbleton.

"But the NHS cannot combat the root causes of ill health alone. We want to the police, local education authority and voluntary sector working together to help make health a priority in these areas."

The report suggests:

Za review into child health care provision should be carried out,

Zbetter communications be established between families, GPs, social services and schools and information pooled,

Zteaching should be provided in schools on parenting skills, health eating, home cooking, financial management and sex and drug education and

Zschool dinners should be given a higher profile, stressing their nutritional value.

The report also calls on the police to have a more high-profile presence in the town in an attempt to clear out the drug users.

Mrs True added: "The CHC report will hopefully make the areas affected better places to live."

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