AN interactive game that aimed to boost the health and wellbeing of East Renfrewshire residents has had to finish early due to the coronavirus outbreak.

People of all ages had been clocking up the miles as they took part in ‘Beat the Street,’ with players being rewarded with points and prizes for exploring their town or village on foot or by bicycle.

The free game was taking place in Neilston, Giffnock, Thornliebank, Clarkston, Busby, Eaglesham and Waterfoot, in an effort to encourage people there to get out and about.

Beeping and flashing sensors called Beat Boxes were placed on lamp-posts around these areas so that participants could use cards and fobs to track their journey and earn points for themselves and their team.

More than 7,000 people signed up to play in the competition, which had been due to run until today, but organisers were forced to shut it down early after the government ordered residents to stay indoors.

Councillor Tony Buchanan, leader of East Renfrewshire Council, said: “We have seen lots of people get more active thanks to Beat the Street, so we’re sad to see this end, but our priority is the health of our residents – and people must stay at home, as per the government guidance.”

The game’s leaderboard has been frozen and the points are now being counted, with the winners being announced on the Beat the Street East Renfrewshire Facebook page.

Council chiefs hope to bring back the popular game in the future and organisers are planning to launch a new online programme, called Beat the Bug, which will provide hints, tips and advice on how families can stay fit and have fun at home.

For more information about Beat the Bug, visit here.

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