Plans have been revealed for a new play area to be created for youngsters by a village pub.

Colin Smithson has applied to Allerdale Council for planning permission to install play equipment at the top of The Inn at the Bush’s car park in Kirkbride.

The proposal would see two sets of swings and a climbing frame with a slide installed.

A letter from Mr Smithson, as part of the application, said: “This area is at the top of the car park and has never been used as such.

“The pub has rarely generated enough business to use its present capacity so converting the use of this particular land will not affect current parking.”

The application has been backed by Workington MP Mark Jenkinson, who wrote a letter to the council supporting the idea.

He said: “I am a strong advocate of local pubs and I was recently involved with the campaign against a rise on beer duty.

“I have many villages within my constituency that rely on their village pub as a place of community.

“I strongly support this application to increase the facilities of the local pub at Kirkbride.”

Alan Hedworth, who is a councillor for Allerdale and the parish, said: “I fully support any enhancement of facilities that the village and others can enjoy.”