Richmond upon Thames has most active residents in England

It has been revealed that Richmond upon Thames is not only the most active borough in London, but also the fittest in England. This is according to the results of the latest Active People survey, which was carried out by Sport England.

Over 50 per cent of the borough’s residents exercise at least once a week, it was discovered. Young people in the area are also staying fit and healthy, with 52 per cent of inhabitants aged between 14 and 16 doing a session of physical activity once a week or more. This shows that sport is an important activity for people throughout the area

Despite the borough’s top position, the results have actually improved, as the proportion of people exercising has risen by one percentage point over the last year. This is in line with the council’s targets to get more Richmond residents moving. Now, only 33 per cent of people in the borough say they do no exercise at all.

This was exciting news for Meena Bond, who is the cabinet member for sport at Richmond Borough Council, said: “We are proud to have some of the fittest and most active residents in the country.

“We pride ourselves in our investment in sport and leisure activities - helping residents stay fit and healthy. In our borough alone we have 66 playing pitches, 58 tennis courts, and four bowling greens.

“There are also more than 200 sports clubs with an estimated 32,500 members and Richmond Council provides superb sports facilities which have swimming pools and gyms and have an annual attendance which exceeds one million visits.”

She added that the activity levels among residents had been connected to the long life expectancy - the best in England - and low obesity levels in the borough. While the latest results are excellent, the council will continue to press on with its aim of increasing the numbers of exercising inhabitants by one per cent each year.

Published 13th February, 2015

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