Carlisle City Council's Talkin Tarn country park was in the running for a national environmental award last night (Tuesday, 16 October).
The environmental measures introduced as part of the £1million improvement works resulted in the site being chosen as only one of three in the Award for Sustainability in the 2007 Public Servants of the Year Awards. Somerset's environmental team was revealed as the eventual overall winner but the country park was praised for their programme of environmental work.
Carlisle City Council took over the management of the Country Park in April last year and upgraded the facilities to ensure that they complied with DDA and health & safety regulations.
The area and its buildings were made accessible, as well as safe, for residents to visit. Over time, the facilities had become neglected and were in need of repair. A summer 2006 programme of improvement works has ensured that future visitors are able to fully enjoy their visit to the Brampton site.
The development work promoted a Cleaner, Greener & Safer environment and used materials in keeping with the local surroundings. Educational development was key, as were efforts to reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere by using environmentally friendly energy sources.
Leader of Carlisle City Council, Cllr Mike Mitchelson said:
As part of the improvement works, we took the opportunity to use environmental practices and sustainable materials which were in keeping with the local surroundings. The importance of the estate to local people and its users was our main focus.
To be a top three finalist for a national award was a great achievement and highlighted the steps we've taken to sustain the tarn, allowing future generations the opportunity to experience its beauty."
The winners of the Public Servants Awards were announced at a ceremony last night (Thursday, 16 October 2007) at the Marriott Hotel Grosvenor Square, London. Further details about the awards can be found at www.publicservants.org.uk.