Last updated at 09:45, Tuesday, 22 January 2013

A north Cumbrian village is to get a new attraction – its own swimming pool.

Planning permission has been granted for one in Heads Nook. It is set to be constructed at Carrock View, on Sandy Lane, opposite the Shieling, and will operate as a business.

A new job is likely to come about as a result.

Stephen Calvert, who is leading the project, said: “We feel there is a market opportunity in that area."

Mr Calvert, 42, who lives in Heads Nook, anticipates most of his customers will be from the local area and will head to the pool on foot.

He pointed out that the nearest swimming baths are in Carlisle, Dalston and Ainstable. He added that there are no direct bus routes from Heads Nook to any of these places and they are too far for non-drivers to walk to.

The pool will be 12.5metres long and four metres wide (around 41ft by 13ft).

Because of its size, lifeguards would not be needed. However, Mr Calvert does expect one part-time job would be created at the pool. This person would be responsible for helping with administration and cleaning.

Mr Calvert is a property developer and has his own firm, Calvert Developments (Cumbria).

The current problems in the housing market led to him looking for a way to diversify his business.

Because of his current commitments, he is unsure as to when the pool will be under construction.

“I’m not sure if it will be this year, we will need to shuffle money about,” he said.

Carlisle City Council’s planning committee also gave permission for Mr Calvert to build changing rooms and a pump room for the pool on the site.

First published at 09:42, Tuesday, 22 January 2013
Published by http://www.cumberlandnews.co.uk