The number of people suffering from cancer in Shropshire is higher than the national average, a new report revealed today.

In addition to the killer disease the county also has abnormally high rates of depression, stroke, heart failure, diabetes, hypertension and asthma compared with other areas of the UK.

And incidences of dementia are also higher with the report warning it will represent a “major challenge” to society.

The report by Celia Bahrami, Shropshire Partnership director, to Shropshire Council’s cabinet says a new strategy has been devised to try and increase the access to a range of services and activities for people to help improve well-being.

Ms Bahrami also warns that in addition to diseases, children and young people in Shropshire are “significantly” more likely to die from accidents than the national average and males are more likely to die from accidents than females.

The report says: “Dementia in particular presents a huge challenge to society. Predominantly a disease affecting the over-65 age group, there are currently 700,000 people in the UK with dementia and in the next 30 years this number will double to 1.4 million.

“This will become a considerable future challenge in Shropshire where the continued growth of the over-65 age group through migration and longer life is already raising significant implications for the delivery of public services.

“Only 22.1 per cent of people in Shropshire take part in the minimum recommended level of sport and active recreation.

“Women, disabled people and those living in rural Shropshire are even less likely to take part.”

The report, entitled Sustainable Community Strategy, is at the draft consultation stage.

Priorities outlined in the report to support, enable and encourage healthy choices and lifestyle in the county by 2020 include the reduction of smoking, tackling obesity, reducing alcohol-related harm and promoting sensible drinking and improving sexual health.

By Russell Roberts and Emma Kasprzak