As part of a restructuring at Sport England aimed at putting more investment directly into sport, chief executive, Roger Draper has announced a reduction in staff of around 320.

The cuts, from an original headcount of about 570, are hoped to reduce Sport England's annual operating costs by up to £12m.

The organisation's lottery income has fallen over the past four years from a high of £265m in1998 to less than £170m this year and it is having to review its current projects in order to best target funding.

Draper referred to it being a difficult and challenging time for everyone at Sport England but the measures we are taking now are necessary to ensure the future success of sport in England.

He added: At national level our investment will be more focussed and less prescriptive through our partners in sport, particularly the National Governing Bodies. At community level more decisions will be made locally by the nine new Regional Sports Boards.

It is reported that a meeting of the Sport England council to be held early next month will concentrate on which projects will need to be cut back or cancelled. Details: www.sportengland.org