IT IS hoped that a new £25,000 outdoor fitness facility will be started by the autumn.

A mix of an assault course and a cross training style gym, the facility will be built on green space adjacent to Yewdale Community Centre.

Funding for the project was put aside by the last Labour executive, with the decision on what facility would be built put to local residents.

A drop-in session was held in June, followed by an online survey last month.

Between 30 and 40 people, including residents, parents, coaches and members of the Carlisle Trampoline Group, met with local Labour councillors as part of their regular surgeries.

There were three options to choose from, which were: a set of traditional gym equipment; a collection of cross training systems; and assault course equipment.

Labour councillor for Sandsfield and Morton West, Jeanette Bradley, said: “There are a lot of gyms in the town centre and in other areas, but there is nothing this side of the city apart from the Morton Pool and gym.

“It will be accessible for everyone and will encourage improved health in the area and encourages people to keep active. Anything that does that should be encouraged.”

Mrs Bradley continued: “We are now in the process of choosing designs and looking at equipment, which will bring part of the assault course and gym together.”

The placement of the new facility in the eyeline of a Yewdale Community Centre office space, will help deter vandals from damaging the new fitness offering.

Several incidents of vandalism have been reported in the area in recent months.

Conservative councillor for the same ward, Christine Finlayson said: “They are working on it, plans are going in, consultation seems quite popular - everybody seems to be up for it. They hope it will add to the community centre offering.

“It seems to be quite positive. It will get used and depending on how much it is they will expand it.”