Alston

Alston Local Links, Town Hall, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3RF 
Tel: 01434 382244 
E-mail: alstonlocallinks@eden.gov.uk

Opening times

Partners

Eden District Council, Cumbria County Council, Parish Council, Tourist Information Centre, Local voluntary organisations, Police

Background

Following consultation with the local community it was agreed that the local Library (Cumbria County Council) would relocate to the Town Hall (owned by the Parish Council) and be located with the Tourist Information Centre (run by Eden District Council). This shared services approach provides greater access to a wide range of services, as well as ensuring sustainability for these services in a very rural community. The new arrangements also allow the police to have a renewed presence in the community as well as providing local people with video conferencing linked to other Cumbrian communities.   It has also secured the future of an important local listed building.

The Alston Local Link was officially opened by the Chairman of Eden District Council Tony Brunskill and the Chairman of Cumbria County Council Tom Clare on 23 September 2008.

Alston Press Release

Funding

To accommodate this project Cumbria County Council has provided money to allow significant building work to bring these services together under one roof. 

Services available

• Tourist information
• Longer opening hours for tourist information centre and library
• A modern new library with improved facilities for children, teenagers and adults
• Improved access to County Council and Eden District Council Services
• Access to photocopying and internet services
• General council information
• Video conferencing facilities
• Meeting room hire

Staff

Cumbria County Council employees were transferred to Eden District Council to ensure that all staff within the building are employed by a single organisation.