A NEW Screwfix store may be on the way to West Cumbria, after plans were submitted to convert a vacant retail unit on an industrial park to house the national chain.

Plans were submitted to Cumberland Council on June 16 to convert a vacant retail unit on the Maryport Industrial Estate into a home for a new Screwfix store.

The chain already has a number of stores across the county including one in nearby Workington.

A covering letter for the application said: "Screwfix Direct Limited comprises a B8 trade counter operation aimed at local building companies.

"Their products are also sold over the internet, via a catalogue, over the telephone as well as over the trade counter, which typically occupies about 6.2 per cent of the floorspace of a unit, with any individual unit servicing its own local area for each of these methods of purchase.

"Screwfix brands and products are formulated for the trade professional in terms of quantity and type of goods.

"Whilst the units are advertised, this is predominantly in the trade press and is directed at tradesmen."

A spokesman for Screwfix said: "As we continue to grow our store network we will announce details about each new store, including planned dates for opening, in due course. Customers can find the up-to-date store information on Screwfix.com."