Gift Shop improvements hailed a success

(Date of issue: Friday, 19 February 2010)

Talkin Tarn’s new gift shop which opened last December is helping to promote local businesses and has been hailed a success by a local supplier.

The improved shop opened for business last December, in time for Christmas, and now has locally produced crafts, children’s toys and garden ornaments on sale. One of the local suppliers, Pat Gill, who sells her hand painted cards from the shop, said:

"The shop looks great, I am sure that more people will have a look around now and make impulse purchases!"

The work included new lighting, flooring and display units, all in fitting with the beautiful tarn surroundings. It was carried out by Jon Stynes Design, a Brampton firm.

The shop improvements were funded using money raised directly at the tarn. As part of the Talkin Tarn’s Business Plan, any revenue raised from the facilities will be used solely at the country park, for the benefit of the site and its visitors.

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.

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 group was set up last summer. To find out more about becoming a member, telephone Talkin Tarn on 016977 3129.