Concerns have been raised that not enough is being done in Norfolk to ensure disabled children and young people can take part in sport and other physical activities.

County councillor Maxine Webb has criticised Norfolk County Council for not backing her call for a more co-ordinated approach to ensure opportunities are provided.

Last year, the government published activity guidance for disabled and young people, recommending weekly and daily levels of activity such as walking and cycling, along with structured activities and modified sports like football and basketball.

Eastern Daily Press: Maxine Webb, Labour county councillorMaxine Webb, Labour county councillor (Image: Newsquest)

But Ms Webb, Labour county councillor for Wensum ward in Norwich, said that could only work if the providers of such activities were able to genuinely include disabled children.

Ms Webb tabled a motion at a recent meeting of the county council, calling for the council to:

• Ensure activity providers and community organisations in Norfolk offer appropriate inclusive physical activity opportunities to children and young people with disabilities;

• Create a disability-friendly protocol so providers and venues can get an award stating they are disability friendly;

• Publish a regularly updated list of inclusive activities, providers and venues.

She said there were 15,000 SEND (special educational needs and disability) children in Norfolk and more than 4,000 with education, health and care plans - signifying they have complex special educational needs and disabilities.

But Ms Webb said: "In a recent SEND survey, only 13pc of Norfolk families said local groups think about their child's needs and encourage them to join in with everything they offer.

"We need to understand what these barriers are by working together with local providers and families."

However, the Conservative-controlled council voted down the motion, with 31 against it, 19 in favour and four abstentions.

Eastern Daily Press: Daniel Elmer, Norfolk County Council's deputy cabinet member for children's servicesDaniel Elmer, Norfolk County Council's deputy cabinet member for children's services (Image: Archant)

Daniel Elmer, deputy cabinet member for children's services, said the council already had a framework which aspired to provide services and information to everybody.

He said: "We are also already working with our partners and with young disabled people to examine how best to embed accessibility into all our services."

He added the authority already worked with young people and providers to help remove barriers to inclusion.

But Ms Webb said the council's framework was "not doing enough" and it was "unbelievable" councillors were against a suggestion which could help families.