LOCAL campaigners have called on the council to arrange work to renovate a prominent old building in a city centre park.

The characterful old park keeper’s lodge in Bitts Park currently lies in a state of neglect, and campaigners Elsie Martlew and Alan Taylor have spoken of their sadness and frustration over the state of the building.

They staged a small demonstration outside the building holding a banner that read ‘Save the Park Lodge'.

“This substantial Edwardian house is currently boarded up and left to rot, a deliberate act of neglect,” Elsie said.

She added: “As far back as May 2021, I lobbied the then-Conservative-controlled Carlisle City Council to spend money to renovate the derelict lodge instead of wasting over £155,000 of public money on the container compound in Bitts Park.

News and Star: Alan Taylor (left) and Elsie Martlew in front of the park keeper's lodge in Bitts Park, Carlisle, on October 31, 2023Alan Taylor (left) and Elsie Martlew in front of the park keeper's lodge in Bitts Park, Carlisle, on October 31, 2023 (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

“After the 2015 floods, plans were drawn up to develop the lodge into a permanent facility for park users, including a cafe/bistro and public toilets, but nothing ever happened.

“I challenged the then-Tory leader, John Mallinson, on numerous occasions to come clean about what he intended to, do but his silence was deafening.

“The building has continued to deteriorate and it will go the same way as the Central Plaza if no remedial work is undertaken.

“Cumberland Council have recently inherited this problem and we want them to bite the bullet and get on with the necessary work to make this building a public asset for park users.

“If they aren't prepared or able to renovate the building they should be looking for someone else who will, even if this means selling it.

“This is adjacent to the premier children’s play area in the city and it is vital that it has a secure and positive future.”

Alan Taylor spoke of the failed Tribe project which lies behind the lodge, saying it's unattractive and a bad fit for the park.

News and Star: Elsie Martlew (left) and Alan Taylor behind the lodge, looking over to the site of the former Tribe project in Bitts Park, October 31, 2023Elsie Martlew (left) and Alan Taylor behind the lodge, looking over to the site of the former Tribe project in Bitts Park, October 31, 2023 (Image: Ollie Rawlinson)

A Cumberland Council spokesperson said: “We recognise the importance of Bitts Park and want to make full use of it - for the benefit of all users of the park. 

“We are starting a review of options for the future use of the lodge and the area surrounding it.

“Work is already underway on the tennis courts and the area adjacent to the courts.”

John Mallinson declined to comment when approached.