Plans to double the price of parking at a north Cumbrian beauty spot have been scrapped.

Labour-led Carlisle City Council put forward proposals to increase the cost of an annual permit at Talkin Tarn from £52 to £104 – but have performed a U-turn following opposition from both the sailing and rowing clubs based there and Tory councillors.

Other parking prices for an hour or more will still increase by 5p and 10p.

At a meeting of the ruling executive, leader Colin Glover said that the price hike had been withdrawn from the 2017/18 budget proposals.

Other plans include removing the charges of interment or cremation for children and a £5 council tax increase.

Plans to remove an allotment discount for residents aged over 60 have already been removed from the proposed budget.

John Lewis, secretary of Talkin Tarn Amateur Rowing Club, said that some members would consider giving up rowing if plans to increase the price of an annual permit were to go ahead.

Mr Glover said the council was of the opinion that the increase - amounting to £1 per week - was “good value for money”.

“Members of the sailing and rowing clubs were concerned about the increase and the potential usage of each club,” he said.

“They put forward sensible and well-balanced arguments and we have agreed not to apply the increase. The price of an annual permit will remain at £52.”

Commenting on the decision, council deputy leader Dr Les Tickner added: “It shows that when we go to consultation, we’re prepared to listen. If good arguments are made then we will look at things.”


Colin Glover Mr Glover said that the council would also be providing 10 permits to the rowing club free of charge, adding that to date, none have been requested by the sailing club.

The number of permits distributed for the 130-space car park will still be capped at 40.

Paul Nedved, Conservative councillor for Stanwix Urban – and who voiced opposition to the increase – said he was delighted with the decision.

He said: “We as a group are delighted that the charge has been reversed and I’m sure the rowing and sailing clubs will be as well.”

Mr Glover also revealed that the council is also proposing to remove all charges related to the interment or cremation of children up to and including the age of 17.

He said: “It follows a call from the opposition in Parliament for the chancellor to provide £10m of funding that would help to cover the costs.

“That fell on deaf ears. We, as a council, have decided to cover those costs ourselves.”

Regarding the £5 council tax increase, Dr Tickner said: “That’s for a Band D property and represents a cost of 10p per week. We know that some people are still struggling and anyone who is currently receiving discounts will not have to find that extra 10p.”