Bradford was dubbed Britain's fattest city earlier this year by Men's Fitness magazine, which claimed that the district's obesity rate had risen from 14.1 per cent in 2003 to 22.2 per cent in 2006.

Given that place at the top of a national obesity list it would seem unwise to set Bradford on course for another first, as the most expensive city in West Yorkshire in which to pursue sport and leisure activities.

Yet that is what Bradford Council plans to do, with rises of up to 15 per cent proposed in many services as it strives to raise the money needed to offset a big increase in fuel bills. That would be enough to deter many local people, struggling to pay the increases in their own household fuel bills, from taking advantage of the sports and leisure facilities available to them.

If the increases go ahead, more and more people will decide they can't afford to take part in the formal activities which could help Bradford to climb down from the top of the obesity league. However, there are alternatives.

Natural England yesterday launched a campaign to encourage more people to spend time outdoors, in the parks and countryside. It says that being closer to nature, and particularly walking, can cut stress and increase fitness.

Bradford is fortunate in being a district which has lots of countryside crisscrossed with footpaths and some excellent parks which in many cases are under-utilised. Walking, if done properly and regularly, can be just as effective in reducing weight and increasing fitness as a gym workout. And it costs nothing.