FISH and chip lovers face a shake-up as a council tries to reduce their intake of salt.

Thirteen chip shops in Rochdale are trying out a new salt shaker with fewer holes.

In the build up to Salt Awareness Week, food safety experts have turned to `low flow' shakers.

With five holes instead of the usual 17 or 18, the shakers are part of the latest attempt to improve the town's health.

Rochdale has the third highest death rate from heart disease and strokes in the country.

These can often be linked to salt intake and Coun Wera Hobhouse claimed the new shakers would mean that `everybody was a winner'.

She said: "They are healthier for customers because too much salt increases blood pressure and increases the risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke.

"At the same time, chip shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs save money because less salt is wasted and their food tastes just as good or better."

Mr Thomas' fish and chip shop at Hollingworth Lake, in Littleborough, is trying one if the salt shakers. Co-owner Andy Pilkington said the scheme was `a great idea'.

The trial is expected to run for about six weeks but Andy said the shakers could become a permanent fixture.

"I can't see there being any problems and I'm sure they're here to stay," he added.

Salt Awareness Week runs from January 28 to February 3.

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