A “lost” holy well credited with having mystical healing powers has been rediscovered near a Carlisle park.

Obscured by undergrowth next to a footpath near to Carlisle Cricket Club, the ancient Homeacres Well had languished in obscurity for decades, its waters and its fascinating history long forgotten.

Researchers found it again just before Christmas.

There are now calls to a major restoration of the well – and even a suggestion that its water – as yet untested – should one day be bottled and sold to raise revenue for cash-strapped Carlisle City Council.

City councillor Fiona Robson was among the local history enthusiasts who helped find the forgotten well, next to a public footpath below Cavendish Terrace, and she now wants it to be restored and turned into a feature of interest for locals and visitors.

“This could be a magical place,” she said.

“It could be part of a beautiful walk for city folk; an outdoor classroom for local school children; a memory walk for the elderly... but at the moment it is in a sad state. How wonderful it would be to restore this to its 19th Century glory.

“We should do everything we can to celebrate our history.

“And this is a part of that history. Stanwix was one of the first Roman forts built outside of London; in those days, they called this place Luguvalium and we were considered a very important place.

“This well is a part of that history.

“We need to celebrate that heritage. There are quite a few holy wells in this area and we need to do more to investigate this one.”

Asked whether the water could one day be bottled and sold by the City Council, Fiona added: “It hasn't been tested yet, but who knows?”

The councillor previously helped researchers identify shown the neglected Hyssop Holme Well in nearby Stanwix, which in 1829 was a popular 'resort' for locals, visited by thousands of people each year.