Gift Shop improvements completed

(Date of issue: Tuesday, 1 December 2009)

Hand crafted Christmas gifts will be on offer in Talkin Tarn’s newly improved shop, from next Monday (7 December).

The country park’s gift shop was given a make-over this autumn and work is due to be completed by the end of this week.

Gifts, including locally produced crafts, children’s toys and garden ornaments, will all be on offer from the new shop which includes new lighting, flooring and display units. The work has been carried out by Jon Stynes Design, a Brampton firm, and Carlisle City Council.

Carlisle City Council took over the management of the Country Park in April 2006 and has invested £1million upgrading facilities to ensure they comply with DDA and health & safety regulations.

Work included making the area and its buildings accessible, as well as safe, for residents to visit. Under the management of Cumbria County Council, the facilities had become neglected and were in desperate need of repair. Work to improve the paths and water’s edge has also been completed.

Cllr Ray Bloxham, Portfolio holder for Environment and Transport, said:

“The importance of Talkin Tarn to local people and its users has been our main focus throughout the various improvement works. We want to make sure that future generations have the opportunity to experience the beauty of the tarn and have greater access to its facilities.

“The gift shop alterations were the next stage of improvements and have been funded direct from money raised at the tarn.”

The Friends of Talkin Tarn, a group set up this summer, have been kept informed of the improvement plans. To find out more about becoming a member, telephone Talkin Tarn on 016977 3129.