PLANS have been announced by South Gloucestershire Council to redevelop, repair and improve a number of sporting facilities around the area.

The money for this has been taken from contributions by housing associations that are building developments throughout the county.

Over £330,000 is being invested which is fantastic news to facilities and numerous sports clubs across the area.

Charfield will benefit hugely from this, but Chipping Sodbury will also receive large sums to develop their tennis courts, cricket clubs and pitches.

This will help to promote activity among younger people, this is vital to encourage and maintain.

The council released figures recently which shows that a quarter of the population in the region does not get 30 minutes of physical activity per week.

This needs to be tackled to minimise the risk of obesity and promote healthy living.

With these changes hopefully more people will get active.

Comment piece by Yate and Sodbury reporter Ross Arnott.