A REPORT has found that 45 deaths could be prevented each year in Barrow if 75 per cent of the population met chief medical officer guidelines.

Cumbria County Council's local committee for Barrow received a detailed presentation from Active Cumbria regarding tackling physical inactivity in both adults, and children and young people, which showed that 67.4 per cent of adults over the age of 18 are overweight or obese in Barrow according to statistics taken from 2017/2018.

This is high in comparison to the national average of 62 per cent.

Members at the meeting raised their concerns regarding the language and images which had been used.

It was felt that the language could have psychological effects and that the images should include a range of ages and body images.

The committee was informed that the Five Year Plan was being shaped and suggested that the local members for Dalton North and Old Barrow, who had initially raised the concerns regarding images and language, together with a representative from Public Health, be involved in discussions to ensure it contained motivating language and images.

Kevin Hamilton, Barrow mayor and chair of the committee, said: “This costs us £1.3 million each year in Barrow in activity on this issue.

“Compared to the South Lakes and Eden Valley it is a shock.

“This is due to deprivation in the area, which has been brought about by coronavirus as well as Brexit.”

The committee praised the work undertaken by Active Cumbria in Barrow but felt there was a need to engage with the community to motivate and promote the activities available for all generations.

The committee discussed new cycling initiatives and officers highlighted how those were emerging with the development of the Barrow Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan.

Members felt there was a need to have a wide range of activities available to encourage and stimulate children and young people, a need to focus on activities other than those sport related and that use should be made of the natural environment in the Barrow area. A discussion took place regarding the effects of deprivation on communities.