Flushed with success
Wasdale might have the county’s deepest lake, smallest church and the world’s greatest liar but when it comes to loos, litter and parking the community has despaired.
But in a pioneering initiative, people living and working in the remote, iconic valley have come together with a team of organisations, including the Lake District National Park, to solve some of its most pressing problems.
The Wasdale Head Community Partnership is spearheading a campaign which sees new temporary toilets opening on Saturday as the first measure. Other moves include improved litter and parking, with plans for sustainable transport and a community trust.
LDNP’s director of park services, Bob Cartwright, described the scheme as inspirational and said the impact would be immediately felt.
He said: “We know how difficult life can be for residents of this honey pot location which attracts tens of thousands of visitors a year, including the many that compete in the Three Peaks Challenge.
“With limited car park spaces and toilets, the valley has suffered extreme pressure. When the community approached me in a bid to remedy the situation, I was delighted to help.
“A new £30,000 temporary toilet block has been given planning permission for three years and is in a better location for visitors. It’s not a perfect solution, but will make a significant difference to local people and is a measure of our commitment to them.
“It also buys time to come up with a more comprehensive solution to the valley’s problems and work towards a more sustainable future for Wasdale.
Bob explained that while LDNP had a leading role, the partnership represented widespread interests.
“We are working closely with residents, farmers and business people, as well as Wasdale Parish Meeting, National Trust, Copeland Borough and Cumbria County Councils. Care International - a charity that benefits from Three Peaks’ events - is also giving invaluable help.
“Across the national park, communities are working together and this is a perfect example of how help and solutions can be found.”
