Getting Active in Great Yarmouth
PR 124
30 January 2006
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
How can we encourage more people to become active? Are the sports facilities in Great Yarmouth adequate? What other activities can people take up to improve their health?
These are some of the questions that a new leisure strategy being prepared for Great Yarmouth aims to address. Great Yarmouth Borough Council, Norfolk County Council and the local Primary Care Trust have appointed consultants to undertake a study by the end of March.
Michael Presland together with Cambridgeshire based Tim Wall Associates, are seeking to link up sport, leisure, health and education in the study. It will review all indoor and outdoor sports and health related physical activity, and include hobby based activities such as dancing and gardening - as well as more common sports like swimming and football.
The consultants have been busy over the last month or so mapping all facilities and opportunities in the Borough, including sports halls, pools, pitches, play areas, village amenities, allotments, country walks and cycleways.
“Clubs and parish councils have been consulted and a workshop was recently held to discuss the main issues, said Community Services Section Head, Marie Hartley.
“We shall be looking at the operation of sports facilities such as the Marina Centre and the role of private health and fitness clubs, as well as the contribution of village halls, sports grounds and the network of footpaths and bridleways, in the rural parts of the borough.
“We will also try to identify the problems that some groups have in accessing opportunities for sport and exercise.
“We would like to hear from any clubs, individuals or groups with an interest and who have a view on the way forward.
“If they have missed out on the consultation, wish to elaborate on any previous comments made or have any answers to the questions above or indeed any others, please let us know your views by contacting one of the following by e-mail or phone:
michael.presland@btopenworld.com(01508 528902)
WallTW@aol.com (01223 874428)
by mid March, so that we can incorporate your comments within our deadline.
“Please do not feel constrained to offer any views, even if you want to moan about things as they are. Constructive suggestions are particularly welcome.
“With the 2012 Olympics around the corner, the need to reduce levels of obesity, particularly among our young people, and a general awareness of the benefits of exercise, the time is ripe to encourage residents in Great Yarmouth to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle.
“Make sure your views count by contributing to this important study. A lot has happened in recent years to improve matters, but much remains to be done. We look forward to hearing from you."
For further information call Community Services Section Head, Marie Hartley on 01493 846354, or Environmental Strategy Manager, Simon Mutten, on 01493 846449.Issued by:
Liz Dann
Press Officer
Great Yarmouth Borough Council
01493 846513