WAR has been declared on the couch potato culture by Burnley leisure bosses.

Draft measures to rejuvenate sport and the arts are expected to be agreed by the borough council's executive when it meets on Tuesday.

They include plans to get young people involved in sport and maintain their interest and to use arts to unite the borough's diverse communities.

The strategy for sport aims to support local clubs and bring communities together, as well as promote health and fitness.

An arts strategy recommends the appointment of an arts development officer to develop a forum which could bring together the council, voluntary arts groups and other agencies.

Clubs, groups and young people took part in consultation earlier this year and information gained from these exercises has been used to draw up the initial plans.

The next stage in the process will be a wider consultation with hard-to-reach groups before the strategies return for council approval. A steering group is likely to be formed for each area to monitor the implementation of the measures contained within the plans.

Head of leisure Gerard Vinton said: "The borough of Burnley needs to produce a strategy which promotes the health benefits of sport and physical activity.

"Systems also need to be in place to introduce young people to a wide range of sports and activities early on in their lives as this encourages them to stay in sport for life.

"Burnley needs to identify some clear aims and objectives to encourage greater participation by all residents."

Any resident who would like a copy of either of the draft strategies, or wants to get involved in the consultation process, can call Gerard Vinton on 01282 664444.