A COMMUNITY group has outlined ambitious plans to raise up to £100,000 to offer Kendal's children a new indoor play area.

John and Mhairi Helme are behind the Outside-In group and have been seeking feedback for their ideas.

A consultation held at Kendal Town Hall on Tuesday night saw 40 people turn out to offer their encouragement and views on the project.

"We have had some fantastic feedback," Mrs Helme said. "People came forward to volunteer and there was a lot of ideas of how we could work with local charities and groups."

It is hoped that the area will include soft play and a 'mini' Kendal, complete with shops, Westmorland show ground, a veterinary surgery, emergency services area, construction site and a cafe for parents and carers to relax in.

For Mhairi, a mother-of-two, the idea came from a frustration that there was not anything similar available in Kendal.

"I was dreaming of being able to take my kids somewhere amazing and stimulating that was open all the time and available and special," she said. "You want them to walk in to somewhere and just go 'wow' and give them memories and give them a fantastic experience and there is not anywhere in Kendal like that at the moment."

And prior to the consultation a survey of almost 400 people revealed that 98 per cent of respondents supported the idea of an indoor play area.

Although a location for the play area has not yet been confirmed, Mrs Helme said that discussions were under way.

The play area will operate on a not-for-profit basis and there will be a suggested minimum donation fee. However, Mrs Helme said she wanted to ensure the area was 'accessible to all'.

The scheme looks set to create five new jobs and it is anticipated that it could bring in around 3,000 tourists to Kendal.

Although the couple had initially been looking to raise £40,000 for the project, they have now estimated that they could raise up to £100,000

However, Mrs Helme is confident that she will be able to create something special, regardless of whether they reach the upper target or not.

"I am a mum and mums are very good at creating the best possible experience for children on a budget," she said. "And we are prepared to do that for this project because we can still make it look professional."

Outside-In is in the process of establishing itself as a charity and the couple would be interested in hearing from any legal experts who may be able to assist them.

Anyone wishing to offer their help should email: kendaloutsidein@gmail.com