A DISTRICT council spends only 70p per resident on sports development.

The figure, which equates to £36,000 a year, is the lowest net expenditure within Ryedale District Council's family group of authorities.

Members of a council scrutiny committee have just completed a review of its leisure services.

They found that 52 per cent of residents are satisfied with the sports facilities provided by the council.

The committee concluded that council tax payers are receiving value for money but recommended that the authority should consider spending more money on sports development.

Committee chairman, Councillor Brian Cottam said: "The review has been extremely thorough and we have worked with an extensive range of stakeholders to ensure that as many views as possible can be taken on board.

"We are committed to building on our strengths and hope that the findings of the review will ensure that this can be done."