Almost 30% of people in Suffolk do not walk for 10 consecutive minutes a week, a new survey has revealed.

East Anglian Daily Times: Councillor James Reeder, cabinet member for health Picture: SIMON LEE/SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCILCouncillor James Reeder, cabinet member for health Picture: SIMON LEE/SUFFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL (Image: Simon Lee Photography)

Sport England’s annual Active Lives survey, which ran from November 2016 to November 2017, asked adults over the age of 16 how active they had been in the last four weeks.

It revealed 29% of adults in Suffolk do not even manage a 10-minute walk a week; however, this figure is still above the national average of 31%.

Julie Stokes, CEO of Suffolk charity ActivLives, described the survey’s findings as worrying.

“Walking is a great form of exercise, it’s fun and you can do it anywhere,” she said.

“The survey results are worrying. People tend to get in their cars and park close to work so hardly walk anywhere. It is all about encouraging people to do more walking.”

It comes as Suffolk looks to become the Most Active County to encourage more people to take up moderate physical activity.

Councillor James Reeder, cabinet member for health, said: “It’s pleasing that we are above both the national and regional averages and, in the St Edmundsbury district in the county, the proportion of adults walking once a week has seen the fifth biggest increase in the whole country.

“However, physical inactivity remains a major public health issue and something that has significant consequences for both the individual and society as a whole.”

He said the council was collaborating with other organisations as part of its aim to win Most Active County status, promoting the benefits of walking and providing opportunities for people to be more active.

He added: “Despite this, we recognise that there is still more to be done and acknowledge that it will take a sustained effort to bring about the long-term change we want to see.

Isla Clough, chairman of the Ipswich Ramblers, said walking was a great way to escape the pressures of modern life.

“It’s relaxing, it’s exercise, it’s a way of meeting people and a way of enjoying the countryside, she said.

“It is great for those who want a break from a high pressure job.“

ActivLives holds a walking club every other Monday from 11am to 12pm at Christchurch Park in Ipswich, with the next set to take place September 10.