Merton’s Cabinet tonight approved plans to make Merton London’s Borough of Sport.

The proposals aim to get more residents physically active, especially 4 to 16-year-olds, the over 65s and the less affluent; put Merton on the map for sport; and celebrate the borough’s sporting heritage.

The plans were drawn up after extensive consultation with local community groups and individuals. Some of the first actions will be to create a Borough activity finder and launch a sports small grants fund, as well as continued support for high profile initiatives.

The Borough of Sport aims to get residents to take part in a physical activity session each week, to improve health and wellbeing for individuals across the Borough. Activity includes anything that involves increasing physical movement – from walking and cycling to dance and team sports.

Already this year, free swimming for all under-16s means every child in the Borough can swim for free at one of the council’s three leisure centres for up to an hour a day.

Council support has seen 23 schools awarded Opening School Sports Facilities funding, which in total will bring in almost £300,000 to help improve activity levels and participation among pupils and communities.

The upgrading of Merton’s park tennis courts is underway now in partnership with the Lawn Tennis Association, and Merton’s parks team has repaired, restored and improved multi use games areas, paddling pools and other park facilities across the Borough.

And ten per cent of Merton residents took part in the Beat the Street game earlier this year – a phenomenal number that included 38% of people who described themselves as inactive before taking part in the game.

Speaking after the Cabinet meeting decision, Council Leader Councillor Ross Garrod said:

“Making Merton London’s Borough of Sport is one of our top priorities. I’m excited that the work can now start in earnest so everyone across the Borough can enjoy getting more active and healthier, and can make new friends.”

Councillor Caroline Cooper-Marbiah, Merton’s first ever Cabinet Member for Sport, said:

“I’m proud to be Merton’s first ever Cabinet Member for Sport, and approving these plans today shows our real dedication to making Merton London’s Borough of Sport.

“Building on the achievements we’ve already made, I’m excited to help young and old alike take part in more sport and physical activity and put Merton on the map.”