Alarming figures have revealed the decline in activity amongst Slough residents, despite investment to improve leisure facilities in the town.

Figures have shown that in comparison to 28.3 percent of inactive residents (less than 30 minutes of activity a week) in the 2015/16 survey, 36 percent of residents were inactive in the 2017/18 survey. The number of active residents (more than 150 minutes of activity a week) fell by 6.7 percent in the same time period.

In contrast, neighbouring Windsor and Maidenhead fared better in the study. 65% of residents achieve the exercise goal, with just 21.9% being labelled as ‘inactive’ (under 30 minutes of exercise a week) in the latest study.

MP for Slough Tan Dhesi said: “It is vital that we encourage more people take advantage to become more active in Slough and take advantage of the great facilities that we have available to us.

“Council led improvements have seen a record breaking £62 million invested in indoor and outdoor facilities since 2016, meaning more Slough residents can enjoy state of the art free open-air gyms, fitness trails and parks across the borough.

“We all need to make a change in our lifestyles to incorporate more exercises to ensure a healthy body and mind.”

Councillor Robert Anderson said: “We are not surprised with the findings. It’s been a problem for a number of years and it’s the reason why we have invested in our leisure services.

“Slough Borough Council made the decision to upgrade all our leisure facilities. As well as this we now have over 20 public work out spaces, meaning residents should never be far aware from a free facility they can use.

“People need to take responsibility for their own fitness. The facilities are in place, it’s down to people to make the decision to become more active.”