£101,000 jobs to run walks
Two workers are due to be taken on at a cost of £101,000 to get people in the Wyre Forest area on their feet and out walking.
Two workers are due to be taken on at a cost of £101,000 to get people in the Wyre Forest area on their feet and out walking.
The walking co-ordinator and activities assistant will be appointed by the council after grants were secured for the Best Foot Forward project.
But the plan was called "a nonsense" today.
A survey found that Wyre Forest people are the laziest in Worcestershire – with the lowest percentage of people who walk regularly.
The council got the bulk of the £101,120 for the posts from Sport England. However, it will pay £10,000 from existing budgets and a £20,000 in kind contribution, which includes resources and officers' time.
Health Concern councillor Mike Shellie said today he thought that the idea was "a nonsense". He said: "You can walk free in our nature reserves around the district. I do not think this idea is an example of money well spent. It is a bit of a nonsense and the kind of politically correct thing that is led by the Government."
External funding of £65,900 will see a total of £9,520 allocated for part of the year 2008/9, £36,970 in 2009/10 and £29,410 for part of 2010/11. The aim is to target people who traditionally do not walk, including the over 45s and people with disabilities.
Cabinet member for the project Councillor Marcus Hart said: "There will be two posts that are being funded. It is not taxpayers' money as most of the money is coming from outside sources.
"It is one of a number of projects where we submit a bid to Sport England under the Community Investment Fund." A national target has been set to increase adult participation in sport by one per cent each year to 2020.
The Activity People survey in 2006 revealed Wyre Forest has the lowest percentage of people walking regularly in Worcestershire. The matter goes to the council cabinet where it is expected to be approved.
