Borough council car parks to help boost area's visitor economy

BARROW’S visitor economy is set to receive a boost after it was named as Stage 2 of the newly launched, 200-mile Cumbria Coastal Route. The route will aim to inspire those travelling in…

BARROW’S visitor economy is set to receive a boost after it was named as Stage 2 of the newly launched, 200-mile Cumbria Coastal Route.

The route will aim to inspire those travelling in motorhomes and campervans to explore the county from Morecambe Bay in the south of Cumbria to the Solway Firth in the north via Furness and the county’s unique West Coast.

Now, travellers will be able to park and stay overnight free of charge in a number of car parks owned by Barrow Borough Council.

It is hoped the move will encourage visitors to enjoy Furness for longer, exploring the area’s hidden visitor gems and providing a welcome boost to local businesses.

Councillor Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council, said: “Our borough is filled with historic and listed buildings, a beautiful, protected coastline, unique islands and fantastic wildlife including Cumbria’s only seal colony.

“This is not to mention our proud industrial heritage which has made such a vital and important contribution to the character of the area.

“We have excellent local businesses that have endured a difficult time over the last 18 months. We know we need to do all we can to attract trade and custom to our borough.

“One of our priorities as a council is also to nurture our visitor economy in the borough by making sure people are aware of the fantastic attractions we have here - and the CCR200 will help us to do just that.”

The CCR200 was launched by Cumbria Tourism in July to highlight the variety and diversity of lesser known locations and attractions that exist along the county’s coast.

It provides a route that will allow visitors to enjoy special locations in Cumbria’s world-renowned and sensitive landscape while avoiding some of the narrower, rural roads.

Visitors taking in the sights and sounds of Stage 2 of the CCR200 - Furness Peninsula and Island Hopping - can stay overnight on Barrow Borough Council’s car park at Biggar Bank and the lay-by at Thorney Nook, on Walney Island, at Barrow Park as well as at Furness Abbey.

Councillor Thomson added: “Barrow itself has more than 200 listed buildings while the borough is home to a protected coastline, four designated sites of Special Scientific Interest, sand dunes and beaches as well as fantastic attractions like Furness Abbey and The Dock Museum.

“Many visitors want to explore some of the lesser known but no less special parts of our county and this is a great opportunity to be able to welcome them to the area.”

A code of conduct for motor home and campervan owners is available on the council’s website here: https://www.barrowbc.gov.uk/visitors/motor-caravans/

ENDS