Sandwell Council urged to bid for national grant

Aug 27 2008

SANDWELL may receive a Government “windfall” of up to £5 million to spend on fight-the-flab health initiatives over the next three years.

In June, the borough was among 150 local partnerships of councils and primary care trusts invited to bid for a share of £30 million available to promote healthier life styles under the Healthy Community Challenge Fund.

It is now among those authorities requested to make a full bid by the end of September.

The Department of Health and Department for Children, Schools and Families is set to make available up to £5 million over three years for selected areas.

Any cash received by Sandwell would be spent on schemes including helping residents to choose healthy food and exercise schemes, developing healthy walks and sports programme with particular use of Sandwell Valley.

The council’s regeneration and transport boss Coun Bob Badham said: “Sandwell is very successful at securing money through national bidding procedures so we are going to be pursuing this bid with our usual energy.

“It is important to be proactive in encouraging people to have healthier lifestyles, including sensible eating and exercise, which will benefit individuals, their families and employers and the wider community.

“I hope this scheme, if we are successful in our bid, would help us to achieve this aim.

Public health director Dr John Middleton said: “Being invited to bid for this is recognition of the excellent work on food and fitness by Sandwell health agencies and the council.

“But it also recognises our plans for better environments which help us fight the flab and is also recognition of the role town planning plays in creating community well-being.”