A new attraction in Maryport will have councillors bouncing for joy.

An inflatable bouncy castle and slide along with other soft play equipment have been used to create a removable indoor playground at the Wave Centre.

Maryport Town Council paid £12,000 towards this newest attraction in the Allerdale-owned facility and mayor, Peter Kendall said he believes it will seriously reduce the subsidy required to keep the Wave operational.

“Until Clip n Climb, Cave at the Wave and the fitness centre, Allerdale ratepayers were subsidising the centre by £250,000 a year.

“Those new attractions reduced the subsidy to around £100,000 a year and I believe this indoor area will reduce that subsidy further - hopefully to the stage where the Wave is paying for itself.”

He said several town councillors turned up for the launch on Monday, “and Angela and I took our three youngest grandchildren who loved it.”

He added that he hoped to see more equipment added in the future.

Garry Schubert, general manager of Workington Leisure Centre and the Wave, said this was a “wonderful” new asset and thanked the town council.

He said the intention was to use it to its fullest with toddler groups, parent and children days.

However, the best thing about this playground is the speed at which it can be dismantled and then re-inflated.

“We are looking at fitnesses classes in the Wave theatre, where the playground is. We are hoping to introduce Pilates and Yoga, for instance, and perhaps something for the elderly.

“When we are using the theatre for that, for dance festivals or any other functions, the playground will be taken away.”

Mr Schubert also emphasised that the dance festivals in the Wave would remain welcome.

“They are important to us and to the town because of the visitors they bring here.”

The indoor play area will cost £3 for 45 minutes.