THE former Frankie and Benny’s in Widnes could be turned into a children’s gym if plans are given the go ahead.

Huyton-based Serious Fun Ltd has applied for a certificate  of Proposed Lawful Development to convert the former restaurant at The Hive Leisure Park into a franchise of The Little Gym. The company has applied for a 10-year lease.

The firm describes itself as a ‘child development gym’ for children aged between four months and 12-years-old, with classes due to run seven days a week between 9.30am and 7pm, and from 8.30am – 6pm at weekends. If given the green light, it would also host children’s parties and ‘holiday camps’.

The 3,841 sq ft restaurant at the Earle Road site was built in 2011 but was one of a host of outlets axed by the chain up and down the country.

With sites across England and Europe, the Little Gym offers gymnastics classes along with what it called ‘three dimensional learning’, incorporating physical activity for developing flexibility, strength, balance and coordination through varied physical activities, along with  life skills which it said promotes sharing, teamwork, cooperation and leadership through spending time with friends and peers.

Comments can be made on the plans until January 5 with a decision expected in February.

The plans can be viewed on Halton Council's planning website under the following reference number: 22/00629/PLD.