A WOMEN’S only gym could set up in a Ribble Valley village.

The owner of Motivated Fitness, based in Tarleton, has submitted plans to Ribble Valley Council convert part of Whalley industrial park, on Clitheroe Road, into a fitness centre just for women.

The 18-month-old gym caters to small groups of women aged from 12 to 75 and provides individual one-to-one coaching, from seven members of staff, aged between 17 and 23, catering to no more than 10 people at any given time.

Michelle Whittaker, 37, who owns the gym and moved to Billington eight weeks ago, said: “The reason I want to bring the gym to the Ribble Valley is because I’m looking to expand.

“I knew when I moved to Billington I was going to build another fitness gym in the area and the place I have chosen is a great spot.

“It’s got parking and is only four minutes away from Whalley and six minutes from Clitheroe.

“There are a few independent gyms in Clitheroe and a 24 hour one that has recently opened in Whalley but I believe people will go to where they want to go."

Ms Whittaker said her gym provides ‘unlimited help and support’ for her customers.

She said: “My business is all about personal training attention.

“I have young staff because they are full of energy and life and provide great customer service which is what helps to make my business a success.

“Three of our girls that work for me live in the village so I have created jobs for local people and hope to do so again.”

The proposal states that the opening hours of the gym would be between 8am and 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 7pm on Saturdays and 10am to 2pm on Sundays.

Cllr Terry Hill, who represents Whalley, said: "This could be a good thing for Whalley if there is a demand for it.

"Anything that diversifies the mix of businesses in the area has to be seen as a good thing.

"I would support this subject to it meeting planning requirements."