New board to look at South Holland's long-term health issues

Senior district councillors backed the creation of a new body to help tackle the area’s long-standing health issues.

At Tuesday’s cabinet meeting, members gave their support to a new South and East Lincolnshire Healthy Living Board - which will involve working with Boston and East Lindsey to ‘reduce health inequalities and improve health outcomes’.

Members were presented with a report outlining how South Holland suffers from high numbers of people with cardiovascular diseases, a bigger than average number of pregnant mums who smoke and a level of physical activity well below the national and regional average.

Coun Liz Sneath said this new board could build on the work being done elsewhere and provide important local input.

Coun Nick Worth said the board should be really helpful and welcomed having someone dedicated at looking long-standing issues such as obesity and cardiovascular disease.

He added: “I don’t imagine you will sort that overnight but it will be a step in the right direction.”