A new sport and leisure strategy designed to increase participation in County Durham is to go before the local authority for consideration on 2 March.

Durham County Council's (DCC) cabinet will debate the document, which has been drawn up following 'extensive' consultation with local residents and organisations. The council is aiming to increase the number of people taking part in sport by 0.5 per cent a year and it is hoped the strategy will help broaden the range of activities on offer.

Meanwhile, the cabinet will also be asked to approve a three-month consultation over efforts to address what it calls an "over provision" of leisure centres. Six facilities have been earmarked for closure - including Abbey Leisure centre; Glenholme Leisure Centre, Crook; and Sherburn Leisure Centre.

The proposed closures would form part of DCC's efforts to help meet a 25 per cent drop in its sport and leisure budget, following government cuts. DCC cabinet member for leisure Bob Young said: "We have reviewed what we have been providing because research and consultation has shown a clear trend away from indoor facilities and in favour of a wider range of outdoor activities.

"We have an over provision of sports halls located in the wrong places and in need of considerable investment, at the same time we have less people using these facilities and more seeking alternative ways to keep fit and have fun."