A NEW investment in paralympic sport in Worcestershire, made as part of the legacy of last summer’s successful London games, is set to boost opportunities for Bromsgrove residents.

Sport England’s Inclusive Sport fund accepted a detailed bid made jointly by Bromsgrove District Council, Redditch Borough Council and Wyre Forest District Council.

The council’s worked together on the bid, aiming to create new opportunities for people with disabilities and to provide activity for everyone aged over 14, within 15 minutes of where they live.

The partnership of the local authorities secured an investment of £80,000, with £22,340 going to specific Bromsgrove projects.

Among the projects is support for the council’s Short Breaks, creating an adult athletics club and buying racing wheelchairs for it.

Athletes in existing clubs, including Bromsgrove Hotshots Wheelchair Basketball Club, will benefit through the funding of power lifting.

Elderly residents with disabilities will benefit through the creation of special clubs for indoor games and activities, including indoor bowls and new age kurling - a form of the original curling sport.

Funds from the investment would also pay for the training of local volunteers and coaches, and will be used to help create a “referral pathway”, enabling townsfolk to discover the accessible activities more easily.

Bromsgrove District Councillor Michael Webb, who is responsible for leisure services, said: “I am very happy that as a result of this success residents will have access to better and more inclusive sports activities.

“A partnership approach together with our neighbouring councils gave us the impetus to secure a significant project of real and lasting value.

“Our team will now be able to support our local base of dedicated and popular clubs to cater for an even wider range of ages and abilities, and offer more variety too.”