By Safira Ali

Last updated 11:36, Monday, 12 May 2008

A RESIDENTS’ group in south Workington is fighting back after a health report said they have the worst health in Cumbria.

Mossbay Residents’ Group said they were outraged after the health report said people in south Whitehaven and Workington had bad health and did not live as long as other people in the county.

Health bosses and community leaders met last month to discuss the report, which said that half the residents in Moorclose and Moss Bay, in Workington, and Mirehouse, Sandwith, Harbour, Kells and Hensingham, in Copeland, had visited their GP to seek help for their poor health.

The Durham University study revealed that as many as half of the residents living in parts of Workington and Whitehaven suffer some kind of long-term life-restricting illness.

David McGarry from the residents’ group, said locals wanted to do something to show that Mossbay is a positive area.

He said: “We are holding a meeting in response to John Ashton’s report.

“We wanted to prove that people can live to be quite old here and enjoy a good life. We are trying to get the old folk together to talk about the old days. From now on we plan to have regular events to get them out of the house.

“You have to respect the statistics reported. But it was the comparison with other areas that people didn’t like. People thought it was an unfair comparison. We want to show there are older people living here.

“I would like it if people took on board the comments and try to improve things.”

Gillian Bibby, treasurer for the group, said: “We are trying to get together as many people over 55 as we can to prove that people can live longer here.

“One lady has just gone into a home and she was 98. I don’t think the health here is any worse than anywhere else in the county. We are proud of the area. I have been here 20 years and it has never bothered me.

“I think people are more aware of their health after the report. I try to get out and walk my two dogs more.”

The lunch will be on Wednesday, May 21 from 12pm to 3pm at St Mary’s Community Rooms.

There will be a pie and pea lunch, entertainment, and a role of honour to recognise some of the oldest residents in the area.

The group said they may make a time capsule to keep people’s information for the future.

For anymore information contact David McGarry on 01900 873174.