A HEALTHIER future is on the cards for Radcliffe now that it is a step closer to having its own Sports Strategy.

Graham Atkinson, borough leisure services officer, provided an update at a meeting of Radcliffe Area Board.

He said two consultation exercises earlier this year had identified a number of key issues which will be focused on. One of these is the ability of Radcliffe's existing sports clubs to survive and respond to change.

Some clubs have difficulties recruiting volunteers and junior members, and others do not have the financial resources to develop.

The consultations also highlighted the need for better access to facilities not available to the wider communities, such as school gyms, and the importance of high quality pitches and changing rooms.

Mr Atkinson said: "Health improvement, social inclusion, community engagement, regeneration, youth work and crime and disorder are all areas where sport and physical activity can make an impact, in tandem with other agencies."

Since no extra cash has been identified within Bury Council to deliver the strategy, ways of attracting external funding, such as Lottery money, will be investigated.

The next step is to form an action plan which will provide more specific details on the tasks that need to be undertaken, as well as targets, timescales and resources.

Mr Atkinson said that this will probably be published in the New Year.