Council staff kept on their toes

Published by webmaster for Ellesmere Port & Neston Borough Council in Communities

Staff at Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council have been told to watch their step - as part of the authority’s commitment to improving health and fitness.

The council’s Chief Executive Stephen Ewbank is among 150 council workers who will be clocking every step they take as part of the Pedometer Challenge this autumn.

Thirty-two teams of between two and eight people have registered with the Lifestyle Challenge project, funded through Sport Englands £1 Million Challenge.

This aims to encourage council employees to become healthier by getting active around the working day.

The average number of steps for the team will be calculated for the chance to win great prizes in the run up to Christmas, provided by local businesses including Active 8, David Lloyd Cheshire Oaks, Big Bill’s Bikes and Tailor-Made Treatments.

Andy Webster, Workplace Health Development Co-ordinator, said: “The level of interest in the Pedometer Challenge has been phenomenal.

“As well as making people aware of the health benefits of walking the challenge is fun and allows staff to socialise and enjoy the local area.

 “Since we launched the Lifestyle Challenge in March we have successfully increased the number of staff taking part in physical activity, with people joining in various sports and es at lunchtimes and after work.”

END

Press release issued September 4th 2006