Council aims to get county moving with funding boost

A local authority is rolling out a new community-led drive to increase physical activity after securing significant national funding.

Durham County Council has received nearly £500,000 from Sport England to help more residents become active, with a particular focus on communities with the lowest activity levels.

The funding forms part of Sport England’s £250 million national programme, supporting 27 places across England to make sport and movement more accessible.

Working with local partners, officials say the council will use the investment to create new community-based roles focused on understanding barriers to physical activity and developing tailored, place-based solutions. 

The approach builds on a successful pilot in Peterlee, where close collaboration with residents has helped shape local health and wellbeing initiatives.

Councillor Karen Allison, Durham County Council cabinet member for leisure, tourism, regeneration and high street, said: “This significant funding boost will go a long way to improving our efforts to bring physical activity to as many communities as possible, while ensuring they are as accessible as possible.

“We already have a successful pilot project in Peterlee to support healthier lifestyles, and we’re excited to bring this model to wider areas across the county. 

“Together, with Sport England, we aim to break down barriers and create more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the benefits of being active.”

The expanded programme will now be rolled out in towns including Shildon, Bishop Auckland, Newton Aycliffe, Stanley and Seaham. 

The initiative comes amid ongoing concerns about low activity levels, particularly among children, women and disadvantaged communities, despite clear health and economic benefits linked to more active lifestyles.

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