Plans to make the borough's residents more active with open spaces, sports facilities and sustainable routes have taken a step forward.

Thurrock Council's Cabinet has approved the Thurrock Active Place Strategy, which will aid decision-making around future development for open spaces, sports facilities and sustainable routes under the Local Plan.

The strategy, which covers all things sport, will help inform how each area can be improved, increased and delivered as the Local Plan progresses.

Cllr Aaron Watkins, Cabinet member for environment and sports and leisure, said: "I'm delighted our residents' health and well-being will benefit from this new Active Place Strategy, which will play an important role in informing the Local Plan.

"This has been a long time coming and I'm glad it's been approved. As we progress through the local plan and bid for funding from external groups, we can continue to make a massive change to sports in the borough.

"Community and sports groups across the borough have supported this work with their feedback and this strategy will be used to improve both existing sporting opportunities across Thurrock, as well as future demand for these projects, as the Local Plan develops.

"The strategy will be reviewed regularly and we will also engage closely with our external partners to ensure this keeps moving in the right direction."

To read the full report, go to Cabinet agenda, Wednesday 13 January 2021.