PLAYGROUNDS along pavements and fast-food-free zones are some of the more extreme ideas being looked at to make two Oxfordshire developments "healthy towns".

NHS England announced yesterday Barton Park – Oxford's largest housing development for 100 years – and Bicester's eco-town were chosen as part of 10 across the UK to trial new ways for residents to stay healthy.

The public health body said it had considered whether "adventure areas be designed into streets to encourage walking and play" and "how far away are we from a town where more older people live independently and safely in their own home".

Revealing more details, Simon Stevens, chief executive of NHS England, said Barton Park would have a focus on sports pitches and community spaces, while in Bicester all households will get a free tablet so they can check bus timetables and community information.

Barton resident Martin Ousley, who worked with jobseekers that face touch challenges with both their physical and mental health, said the NHS scheme "sounds like a great idea".

He added: "In addition to that I think there needs to be an increase in education and exercise into how people in the Barton area can live healthier lifestyles.

"From my experience living on the estate, the food outlets do not have much choice in the way of healthy foods. It can be difficult to buy a drink that doesn't contain sugar."

Oxford City Council leader Bob Price said he was delighted Barton Park had been chosen in the NHS project.

He added: "There is a shocking 10-year difference in average life expectancy across different parts of the city.

"The scheme will investigate and then lead the way in improving the links between good housing, healthy living and how local services can be designed to put health improvement at the heart of our communities."

Plans could also feature houses connected by wifi to allow elderly residents to speak to carers and to one another to create "virtual care homes", as well as fast-food-free zones enforced near the school and in the shopping areas.

Work on the first homes of the 885-home development in Barton will begin in June. Plans for the first 237 homes to built are set to be approved by city councillors at Town Hall tonight ((MAR1)).