ALMOST half of all adults in Basingstoke and Deane do no physical activity – and borough bosses are now looking at ways to address this issue over the coming years.

According to an Active People Survey, 48 per cent of residents are not active while less than a quarter participate in at least three lots of 30-minute exercise a week. This falls well short of the 70 per cent target put forward as part of the 2012 Olympic legacy.

The figures make sorry reading for council chiefs, who are busy preparing a strategic plan for sport and recreation up to 2026.

There are more than 250 sport and recreation facilities in the borough including 144 playing fields, 17 golf courses and 33 sport halls.

More than 200 responses were received from residents who cited affordability, as well as lack of time and facilities as major barriers.

Following the consultation, councillors have settled on four main objectives for a healthier future. These are:

* Retain and maintain existing facilities

* Where appropriate, improve quality and capacity of facilities

* Provide new development where there is need for new facilities

* Drive up participation.

A special gathering of sporting organisations took place last October, where borough clubs were told to expect hard times ahead in terms of funding.

A report, written by Tom Boschi, head of neighbourhood development, said that by 2025, 64 per cent of residents will have access to a facility – such as a local recreation ground – within a 15-minute walk.

It is also hoped that 95 per cent of all residents will have access to a cluster of facilities within a 20-minute drive.

Mr Boschi noted that Basingstoke and Deane has more facilities than many other districts of a similar size and more than 80 per cent of them are rated as “good” or “excellent”.

A total of 46 sports clubs also took part in the survey, with 75 per cent saying membership numbers had increased over the past three years. But around 40 per cent said they expected to need to move to alternative premises within five years due to increasing numbers and the need for renovation.

The report was discussed by members of the council’s community wellbeing committee and a full strategic plan will go to Cabinet in July.