This area is smashing the Lancs average after surge in adults getting active

An area of Lancashire is smashing the county average when it comes to adults taking up physical activity.

Rossendale Council has seen a surge in people partaking in physical activity across the borough, which is higher than the Lancashire average, according to the latest survey from Sport England Active Lives.

Despite the hurdles posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and escalating cost of living pressures, the survey reveals a heartening trend towards healthier, more active lifestyles.

According to the latest report, there has been a significant upswing in the number of adults engaging in regular physical activity across England.

Between November 2022 and November 2023, 63.4 per cent of the adult population met the Chief Medical Officers’ guidelines of engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week.

This equates to approximately 29.5 million adults participating in sport or physical activity every week, marking an increase of two million active adults since 2016 – a rise of 1.3 per cent.

The positive impact of this nationwide trend is mirrored in Rossendale, where physical activity levels have surged from 60.5 per cent in 2016 to  68.7 per cent in 2023 – that’s more than six per cent higher than the average across Lancashire as a whole.

According to the council, this reflects its commitment to fostering healthy and proud communities across the borough.

Councillor Liz McInnes, lead member for communities, housing, and health, said: "We are immensely proud of the strides our community has taken towards leading healthier, more active lives.

“This surge in physical activity is a testament to our collective efforts in promoting wellbeing and inclusivity.

"As we celebrate this positive milestone, we are excited to announce the launch of our physical activity strategy this year, which will further reinforce our commitment to supporting our residents in achieving their fitness goals."

The upcoming physical activity strategy is set to serve as a blueprint for enhancing opportunities for physical engagement and promoting a culture of wellness.

The council aims to empower individuals of all ages and backgrounds to embrace more active lifestyles.