West Bromwich to get one of UK's largest outdoor gyms

More than 25 pieces of equipment will be set out in one floodlit area at Sandwell Valley Country Park.

The flagship project will complement an additional 80 pieces of gym equipment currently being installed in key parks across Sandwell.

Sandwell Council is carrying out the scheme for residents to have the chance of enjoying a fitter and more healthy lifestyle.

The provision of the new equipment has been backed by the council's public health team.

It's hoped the outdoor gym, which will be free to use, will encourage people who cannot afford expensive gym memberships to keep active.

Councillor Paul Moore, cabinet member for health, said: "We are investing in the new equipment to encourage people to be more active and give them greater choice.

"One of the biggest barriers to people taking part in exercise is cost.

"The council has achieved financial savings in its public health budget over the last two years, which we inherited from Sandwell Primary Care Trust. We are reinvesting some of these savings in new gym equipment."

Councillor Maria Crompton, cabinet member for highways and environment, added: "The project complements and adds to the visitor experience and we expect this will encourage more people to the park.

"The gym facility will be completely free of charge and open to use every day of the year. Existing equipment has already proved popular with residents."

The latest scheme follows extensive moves to improve the gym equipment at local parks, with it being installed at Jubilee Park, Tipton, Mary Macarthur Park, Cradley Heath, Broadwell Park, Oldbury, and at Friar Park, Wednesbury.

Equipment has also been installed at Yew Tree Estate, West Bromwich, Bury Hill Park, Oldbury, Warley Woods, Smethwick, and Lewisham Park, Smethwick.

Sandwell Valley is already home to a high ropes aerial adventure course towers 42ft above the park. There is also an adventure playground with climbing nets, a suspension bridge and a high-speed zip wire.