The introduction of a second car park at the much-loved Talkin Tarn Country Park is “a loss for the local community”, it has been claimed.

At its last meeting, Castle Carrock parish council expressed its disappointment over additional parking charges at Talkin Tarn, which they say has made the popular walking spot inaccessible to those who are unable to pay.

George Devereaux, chairman of the council, said: “It’s now becoming more difficult to get to Talkin Tarn without having to pay a parking charge.

“Where there was a free parking area near the old hotel, that’s now gone as there is a car park provided by the people who own the site.

“It’s a shame; it’s such a nice area that it is basically being restricted to people who can pay.”

The privately owned car-park at the back of the Tarn End Hotel officially opened at the end of June.

It is open to hotel guests and visitors to the tarn, and costs 10p less than the city council-run car park.

Raymond Tinnion, who is the Brampton and Fellside councillor on Carlisle City Council, said: “The tarn car park itself should be brought into line with Hammonds pond, which is free.

“But it’s like most things that are popular; charges are put on them to ensure they are kept viable - the money that comes from the car park is reinvested into Talkin Tarn facility’s making it viable.”

Alison Rees, a local resident, said: “I think people living in the CA8 postcode should be able to park for free.”

Elizabeth McPherson, another resident, supports the charges though.

“As far as I believe, every penny spent on parking is invested into the Tarn area,” she said.

“I walk there most days and I can see the investment made into upgrading foot paths etc.”

The parish council resolved to send a letter expressing its unhappiness to both the city and county councils.

Members of the public used to park along the road behind the Tarn End Hotel until Cumbria County Council put up fencing to prevent it from happening.

A spokesman for the county council said the move was in response to residents’ concerns.

“The county council’s Local Committee for Carlisle received a petition in November 2018 from residents regarding the ‘severe health and safety risk adjacent to the Tarn End Hotel’,” he explained.

“The issue was discussed at a meeting of the committee in January 2019 and investigated. As a result, a new fence has been installed along the highway verge.

“The fencing addresses the concerns raised by the community and prevents irresponsible parking, whilst maintaining access for emergency vehicles.”

Carlisle City Council declined to comment on the issue as no new changes have been made to its car park.