IN REPLY to Adam Quentin McCartney (Fat? Time to eat less and exercise, Letters, January 28) regarding the issue of sending children who are overweight to a camp.

I was absolutely astonished and annoyed at his ignorant remark about children who are overweight. I have a child who is overweight, and I will tell you now that she does not sit in front of the telly all day eating junk food or playing on a computer game.

She walks to school every day, is in the netball team, swims and is quite active.

It’s the Government which needs to make available activities that parents can afford.

City of York Council needs to provide activities in all areas of York that are affordable for all parents, whatever their financial circumstances. Paying more than £2.05 every night for a child to go swimming and then paying for a adult to accompany them three to four times a week soon adds up.

The only area which has good activities which are affordable is the Acomb side of York, which has excellent facilities at Oaklands Sports Centre. What about the other side of York?

As to Mr McCartney’s remark that “parents should be prosecuted for child abuse and forced to foot the bill”, can I ask, has he got a child who is overweight?

If not, then please could he keep his stupid and insensitive remarks to himself.

These children are not abused and may have other problems that result in them being overweight.

Thank God that the NHS and Government is starting to do something to help both children and parents overcome this issue. It’s been a long time coming.

Name and address supplied.

A City of York Council spokeswoman said: “Physical activity is an important part of a healthy lifestyle and the council is working to encourage all children to be as active as possible.

“Young people aged under 16 years of age (as well as those over 60) will be able to swim at Edmund Wilson and Yearsley Swimming Pools free of charge from April 1.

“The authority also supports other organisations to provide sporting opportunities across the city. Examples include Sports Unlimited funding for voluntary sports clubs, activities run through York’s two Schools’ Sports Partnerships, the holiday activities programme, Schools Out! and Street Sport York.

“Many of these are heavily subsidised or free and offer sport sessions in different areas of York throughout the year.”