A public health drive was launched in Battersea today by leading community figures.

The scheme will see hundreds of people living on the Winstanley and York Road estates offered free gym and slimming class memberships.

Wandsworth Times:

To qualify for the passes they will have to partake in the borough’s Stop Smoking service, or enrol on another health or community programme.

Residents keen to shape up will get free gym or swim memberships at Latchmere Leisure Centre or Battersea Sports Centre.

A similar scheme rolled out in Roehampton has attracted 460 participants.
Wandsworth Times: Jane Ellison Battersea MP candidate

Jane Ellison, MP for Battersea, said: "This sort of  community based initiative is something people can really embrace.

"Local government can help people from the bottom up, giving people the opportunity to live healthier lives.

"This area is being improved in so many ways, and it's right that we recognise people's health should be a part of the improvements."

The programme is part of a council-wide push to improve the two estates.

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Councillor Ravi Govindia, leader of Wandsworth Council, said: "We want to give people on the Winstanley and York Road Estates the tools to transform their lives.

"This extends way beyond our aim to see physical improvements on the estates to a much bigger desire to support more people to make the most of all the opportunities around them.

"Since taking over responsibility for public health a year ago, we have been able to make sure health and wellbeing is at the centre of everything we do as a council.

"Our public health team has come up with a fantastic package of benefits that will inspire people to get active, and make our community stronger and healthier."

The scheme was launched in York Gardens Library, on Lavender Hill, Battersea, this morning.