One of north Cumbria’s best-loved beauty spots has generated £250,000 in income in three years.

Talkin Tarn brought in more than £51,000 in car parking charges last year – up £10,000 on the total in 2013/14.

Charging for parking was a controversial issue when it was first introduced in 2009.

But it looks to have worked as a money generator, with increases registered year-on-year.

A councillor for nearby Brampton welcomed the fact income was being produced at the picturesque destination, which buzzes with visitors on weekends, bank holidays and sunny days.

But Stephen Layden said a redevelopment of the derelict Tarn End Hotel on the site would be the icing on the cake.

A Carlisle City Council report says moves to increase income had worked.

The report adds: “Car park fees and sales at the Boat House Tearoom have increased significantly in the last three years and this may have been helped by better marketing and popular events. Consecutive years of warm, dry spring weather have also helped to bring in early-season visitors, especially in the school holidays.”

The report adds it was pleasing to see a steady rise in sales of car park tickets.

It added this suggested vistors were “coming to the Tarn in greater numbers – either new visitors or existing customers returning more frequently”.

“Either way it means we are offering a quality of service that people are prepared to pay for,” said the report.

Mr Layden said: “I am very pleased to hear that income is being generated, as Talkin Tarn is a very attractive place to visit. It’s popular and has a lot of character. I’ve been a visitor to the tarn for the last 30 years and have always enjoyed the natural aspects of it.

“It’s nice that there is a balance there and families and youngsters can enjoy it too. It’s great to see it generating income and retaining it’s character.

“The one disappointment is the derelict Tarn End Hotel. It’s an eyesore.

“If we could sort that out then that would be the icing on the cake.”

The city council says there are other areas for development where the potential still remains to be tapped.

The report adds: “For 2017 we aim to replace the children’s play area, which has had little investment for many years and yet is a well-used and popular feature of the tarn.

“Using funds generated at the tarn we will have a brand new, state-of-the-art play facility to promote as a new attraction for the next visitor season.”

Workers for a new landscape partnership called Fellfoot Forward could also be based at the tarn in the future.

The project aims to bring benefits in terms of tourism, recreation, skills development and conservation.