SOUTH Gloucestershire is on the move – literally.

A recent report revealed the region has one of the lowest instances of inactivity in the country.

Turning the tide of inactivity, published by UK active, ranks South Gloucestershire as 14th out of 150 authorities in the UK, with 59 per cent of residents participating in sport and active recreation weekly and an inactivity figure of just 23 per cent.

This makes South Gloucestershire the best performing authority in the south west.

Chairman of the communities committee Councillor Claire Young said: “Our success in reducing levels of inactivity is primarily due to the coordinated approach by the council and our partners to ensure the best possible provision across the community.

“We also encourage sustainable methods of transport, and organise a large number of healthy activities for residents of all ages.

“We are also lucky that South Gloucestershire has such beautiful green spaces and countryside where residents can easily enjoy walking and other healthy outdoor activities.”

Dr Mark Pietroni, director of public health for South Gloucestershire, said: “We know that increasing people’s physical activity levels is one of the best buys in public health, with exercise just as potent as some drugs in tackling major diseases.

“This is why building physical activity into our everyday lives has been identified as a key action within our Joint Health and Wellbeing Strategy.”

Circadian Trust, a registered charity and social enterprise based in Bradley Stoke, work in partnership with the council to operate five leisure centres in South Gloucestershire and three dual-use sites that are based on school campuses.

Ben Beasley, director of commercial development at Circadian Trust, said: “Since 2007 we are pleased that attendances in the centres has increased from 1.8 to 2.2 million per annum.

“We strive to maintain a vibrant and ever evolving programme of activity to attract and inspire local residents and groups into the centres. Our policy on pricing and offering concessionary rates to those most in need helps promote sport and physical activity for all without barriers.

“Our core programme we offer an exciting variety of community intervention strategies through our partnership work. Play on prescription, exercise on prescription and LifeShape are just three of these popular and rewarding schemes.”

Circadian Trust coordinate a series of free activities for all the family to help residents of South Gloucestershire get started with a new interest, hobby or fitness routine. From ‘Walking for Health’ family walks to running groups, they have many initiatives to help people of all ages lead a more active lifestyle.

Details at www.southglos.gov.uk/healthandwellbeing.