Bosses of a Worcestershire fishery are investing nearly £750,000 to turn the facility into a nationally-acclaimed centre for disabled anglers – creating new jobs in the process.

The cash is being invested into Cob House, which has been established for more than 20 years, to build a new cafe, tackle shop, teaching centre and disabled friendly toilets at its 45-acre Wichenford site.

Work on the development started in January this year and, when completed in July, has the potential to create up to 17 additional jobs and bring business and tourism to the local community.

“This latest project is the culmination of a long-term vision we’ve had since buying the fish farm back in 2007,” explained Helen Taylor, who runs the business with her husband Robert.

“We had noticed that other fisheries did not seem to be catering for the needs of young people and the disabled – this was something we knew we had to put right, in order to make fishing accessible for all.”

She continued: “There is nowhere in the UK that offers all of the facilities we propose on one site and we expect this unique selling point to help us sustain both the core fish farm and fisheries business and the services offered by the new building.”

Cob House, which currently has eight coarse fishing pools and one trout pool, has tapped into a £240,000 Strategic Investment Grant (SIG) for the project.

These new facilities will lay the foundations for an array of activities, ranging from archery and pond dipping to nature trails, fishing and educational visits.

Richard Hillier, of development agency Advantage West Midlands, said: “It is anticipated that the investment will create a truly world class angling centre in the heart of Worcestershire, while opening up fishing to the young and disabled in the process.”