NEW moves are in the pipeline to encourage children across the district to spend more time outdoors.

A report drawn-up by Bradford Council outlines possible measures to get increasing numbers of youngsters active.

Closing some roads for a day to create ‘play streets’ and bringing small areas of green space into use as ‘parklets’ are among suggestions put forward.

The document has been produced as new figures show that just 12.4 per cent of people in the district use outdoor space for exercise or to improve their health – about five per cent below the national average.

Studies have shown that the amount of time spent outdoors by children has fallen in recent years, whilst obesity levels have reached new heights.

The report says: “Reviews of local, national and international evidence show that people – particularly children – who live close to a traditional urban park are likely to experience higher wellbeing benefits than people who live close to open space in urban areas that has little or no greenery.

“The significant decline in time spent outside for children and teenagers over a five-year period is concerning given the level of child obesity in the district and the association between time spent outside playing and increased physical activity levels, which help children to maintain a healthy weight.

“The quality and perceived safety of green space is absolutely key to whether people are happy to use it, meaning that some areas are likely to be under-used and the public may not be getting the maximum benefit from them. There is strong evidence that higher-deprivation areas have less green space, making it harder for people to experience the benefits associated with regular and easy access.”

Keighley West councillor Adrian Farley, the council’s portfolio holder for children and families, welcomes the report.

He said: “Measures would need to be sensibly managed, but we have chronic levels of diabetes in the district and an issue with childhood obesity – which is also a national problem – and initiatives which help address this are to be applauded.”

Cllr Farley pays tribute to efforts already being carried out in the Keighley area to get people, including children, more active.

A hugely-successful parkrun has recently been launched at Cliffe Castle, which attracted around 450 people to the initial event.