IT is irrefutably proven that physical activity has a positive effect on health – both mental and physical.

We are told that the costs of maintaining care though the NHS are reaching levels that perhaps cannot be maintained.

The plight of our hospital in Hereford is an example.

It has always been the case that health under the NHS is principally curative rather than preventative – a completely short-term strategy.

Unfortunately health authorities at all levels appear to be unable to direct resources at engaging people into physical activity which can prevent illness and aid recovery.

By funding programmes of community physical activity among those who are well, this will impact on future spending on those who remain healthy or whose chances of recovery from illness are greatly increased.

Surely it is recognised that there is economic benefit from directing resources into preventing illness as well as funding the essential curative services.

The chief executive of NHS England has appealed for ideas to “break down rigid barriers” in planning for public health.

Let the barrier between making ill people well and keeping well people healthy be a good starting point.

BRYAN WHITE Honorary secretary for Herefordshire Sport, Tower Road, Hereford