Nearly 80 per cent of all adults in Shropshire are not taking enough regular exercise to stay healthy, shocking new statistics revealed today.

People in Oswestry fare worst, with 51 per cent of adults inactive and just 15.5 per cent of girls and women in the area doing the recommended amount of exercise.

The picture is better in Shrewsbury, with a “significantly higher” percentage of females exercising regularly.

Officials at Shropshire Council are now being urged to carry out a major review with the aim of increasing physical activity rates to improve health and tackle the soaring cost to the NHS of treating illnesses caused by obesity.

A report to the authority says that next year the cost of obesity to Shropshire County Primary Care Trust – excluding Telford & Wrekin – will be £40.7 million, rising to £46.7 million by 2015.

The review will look at ways of encouraging more people to participate in four particular areas of physical activity – walking, swimming, cricket and rugby.

The report, which will be presented to the council’s cabinet tomorrow, says that walking is the most popular physical activity for adults and is easy to access, particularly given Shropshire’s natural beauty. It is also promoted in and by schools.

Swimming is a “cradle to the grave” activity and participation is not restricted by age, gender, disability or income.

The report says that cricket is popular in Shropshire with more than 70 clubs across the county. It is increasingly a hit among girls and women, and Shropshire also boasts a number of teams for the disabled.

Rugby is a thriving team sport, and regardless of size, shape, age and gender, there is a type of rugby and level of competition “that is right for almost everyone”.

The report adds: “The review will consider what is on offer in Shropshire and will aim to capture the resources allocated towards enabling and encouraging participation in these areas, irrespective of who does it, and will consider how this could be done differently.

“There will be a focus on club development, strengthening the links into schools and raising the participation levels of children from deprived areas.”

By Health Correspondent Dave Morris