DISABLED and unemployed residents are to be encouraged to use sports facilities in Hartlepool.

A report to the borough council has revealed that leisure centres in the town mainly attract the most advantaged people, although the more disadvantaged residents are more likely to benefit from the introduction to a healthier lifestyle.

A survey into those using the Mill House and Eldon Grove leisure centres in the town shows more than half of people arrived at the centres in a car and only 8.5 per cent of users considered themselves disabled, compared to 16.5 per cent of the local population.

A spokesman for the council said: "It is important to recognise that the reasons for low attendance from relatively disadvantaged people may be varied.

"In some instances, it may be a lack of information about the facilities, in other instances, it may be that facilities are not accessible, or cost may be a barrier.

"It is important not to overlook a perception that leisure centres are where healthy people go."

Work is already under way to provide a counter loop in the Mill House reception for people with hearing problems, and wider cubicles are being installed to make access easier for disabled people.

Footbaths at the entry to the swimming pool are also being removed to make it easier for disabled people to get to the water.

There are also proposals to install a chair lift at Mill House, so wheelchair users can use the spectators' balcony and caf.

Smaller improvements such as installing hand rails, low mirrors and easily-opening doors are also being carried out.

The council is considering introducing a concessionary scheme for some users from April next year, but any cuts may have to be funded by increases in fees for regular users.

There are also plans to provide a crche to enable more parents to take advantage of sporting facilities.

The Hartlepool Exercise for Life programme is set to continue, with GPs, hospitals and physiotherapists encouraged to refer patients to leisure centres to get involved in exercise.

Finally, there are plans to set up friends and user groups for the leisure centres, so that the council can get feed back on what is being provided for people who are encouraged to take exercise.