IMPROVING the health of the community by tackling obesity, drinking and smoking will be a top priority for Stroud politicians over the next few years.

Stroud District Council's cabinet voted to adopt a four-year plan on Thursday, aimed at making the town a better place to live, work and visit.

Along with the environment, affordable housing and community safety, the council is also focusing on healthy living.

Cllr Elisabeth Bird, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, wants to promote activities for children in particular.

"One area that we are determined to address is the health and of our young people," she said.

"Children don't run around any more, they are driven everywhere in cars and spend too much time on PlayStations - these are all sedentary occupations."

A junior gym with equipment designed especially for children, which is being piloted in Dursley, may soon come to Stratford Park.

It is hoped that the gym, with its smaller equipment and light weights, will encourage families to exercise together.

And if £200,000 of Lottery money is secured, play rangers will be employed to supervise children's activities around the district, particularly during school holidays.

"They will be organising a number of activities so kids can go to the park and play safely," said Cllr Bird.

Councillors are also working with Gloucestershire Primary Care Trust to help smokers kick the habit.

Figures show that at least one primary school child in seven is now classed as obese in the UK, and if present trends continue half of all children in England could be obese by 2020.

Obesity costs the nation around £3.5 billion, which will rise to £4.5 billion in three years if the trends continue.

Overweight children are more than two times as likely to have high levels of cholesterol and Type 2 diabetes has risen dramatically among children and adolescents.

Studies also show that girls who are obese at the age of four are significantly more likely to hit puberty before their 10th birthday.