By Thom Kennedy

Last updated at 12:30, Saturday, 20 February 2010

Two businessmen in Penrith hope to rejuvenate the town’s social life by opening a laser war game centre.

The game, in which teams of up to 15 people armed with laser guns hunt each other around a darkened warehouse, could be opened in a disused car showroom in Friargate.

A planning application has been lodged with Eden Council to convert the old Car Clinic site, which will be leased to the men who hope to open the centre.

And Andrew Richardson, who along with business partner Andrew Southward is behind the scheme, believes it could provide a boost for Penrith.

He said: “We have had a lot of interest already. People are asking us when would we be operating, but we have to make sure everything is right before we go ahead with the project.

“It’s something to encourage people to stay within the town limits. If people are spending with us they will spend with other people and it will have a knock-on effect for shops in the town.

“We are trying to keep it cheap and affordable for everybody. We are trying to do good for the town.”

Car Clinic has now moved to the Gilwilly Industrial Estate and the building is little more than a shell.

The business partners will need to sound proof it and convert the building to make it into the laser tag game.

The new game will be fitted to allow for use by the disabled, and will be accepting players of all ages through its doors.

And while the organisers are aware they can’t please everybody with their plan, Mr Richardson added: “Anything people want to suggest we will listen to, and try to rectify every situation.

“We are just trying to offer something to all the groups in Penrith.

“We might have to look at the opening hours to make sure everybody is happy, but we are trying to run with the council to make it work, not against it.”

First published at 09:01, Saturday, 20 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk