Last updated at 12:32, Thursday, 20 September 2012

Plans to transform part of the Wave Centre in Maryport into an indoor climbing centre have passed a significant hurdle.

Allerdale council approved plans to put council money towards the £400,000 project, which it is hoped will turn around the centre’s fortunes.

A Clip ’n’ Climb centre was proposed for the redundant exhibition space at the back of the building after a public consultation.

It would be only the second of its kind in the UK and would create seven jobs.

Councillors hope the centre will draw in thousands of tourists, cutting the subsidy the council has to pay to maintain it.

Funding towards the project is being sought from the Rural Development Programme for England.

The council has learned that, if its bid is successful, it will not get the full £180,000 it had hoped for because of changes with exchange rates.

However, councillors last night agreed to fund whatever shortfall there was from the authority’s funds.

First published at 11:27, Thursday, 20 September 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk