A BID to improve the health of people aged from toddlers to pensioners in Watchet took a major step forward this week.

Town councillors gave their unanimous backing to a project to set up a community outdoor gym - the first in West Somerset.

The only remaining hurdle is securing the funding needed - just over £38,000 - to make it become a reality.

Local children and families charity Watchet Roots is behind the proposed facility, which would be located in the children's play area on the town's Memorial Ground - land owned by the council.

Watchet Roots chairman Sarah Ellwood told the authority's monthly meeting on Monday that the aim was to improve the future health of everyone in the town, particularly those experiencing barriers to regular exercise, such as accessibility and cost.

In a feasibility study on the outdoor gym proposal, Ms Ellwood said Watchet was recognised both locally and nationally as an area of deprivation.

The outdoor gym would be an effective way to encourage a healthier lifestyle in the community: "It would be designed for all members of the community, young or old, fitness fanatic or new to exercise," said Ms Ellwood.

"Everyone in Watchet would have access to it, creating a fun and interesting place for the whole community to get fit, as well as a great meeting space for the community and a real focal point for positive activity."

Ms Ellwood said the location had been chosen because with its proximity to the children's play equipment and tennis courts, an integrated play and exercise area could be created.

The facility would be split into two separate sections - a 'Busy Bees' for children under 11, featuring equipment ranging from a mini hand-bike and cross-trainer to balance planks, with a larger area for anyone aged over 11, including adults and older people.

The equipment in the larger area would range from a fitness bike to a lateral pull-down/shoulder press.

Safety surfacing - TigerMulch, made from shredded vehicle tyres - would be installed to meet British and European safety standards.

Ms Ellwood said, as the equipment would be outdoors and generally unsupervised, its safety and robustness was vital and the equipment proposed would come with a 25-year warranty.

And with inclusion a high priority, much of the pieces would be suitable for people with disabilities, older people and children.

The council's backing for the project follows a survey carried out by Watchet Roots that showed public support.

Ms Ellwood said of the 48 responses received, 85 per cent thought an outdoor gym would encourage them or their children to exercise more often.

And she said 100 per cent of respondents living adjacent or very close to the proposed site were in favour of the project.

The survey also showed support for free qualified instructor-led sessions on how to use the equipment, leading to plans to hold a series of sessions once the gym is up and running.

Organisers hope the cost of the project will be covered by grant aid, including a hoped for £20,000 from West Somerset Council's planning gain pot, £17,300 from Tesco Community Fund and £500 from Somerset County Council's Health and Well-being fund.

The project sparked an overwhelmingly positive response from town councillors this week.

"I think it's great and once again Watchet leads the way with the first outdoor gym in West Somerset," said Cllr Dave Westcott.

"Hopefully it will happen - it will be terrific for all age groups, from teenagers to OAPs."

Cllr Sally de Renzy-Martin said she thought it was an excellent idea but raised concerns that the children's section should be hedged or fenced off from the adults, with Cllr John Irven suggesting separate entrances as well.

"And I think it is important to make it clear that the equipment cannot be used by any child not under adult supervision," said Cllr de Renzy-Martin.