Have your say! Views sought on projects to transform Barrow

A SERIES of proposed projects which could help transform Barrow are highlighted today - as residents are urged to have their say. Fourteen schemes which seek to improve different areas of the town…

A SERIES of proposed projects which could help transform Barrow are highlighted today - as residents are urged to have their say.

Fourteen schemes which seek to improve different areas of the town were launched as part of the #BrilliantBarrow #MyTown initiative last month.

They cover everything from improved transport exchanges to new housing developments and moving the long-hoped-for marina development forwards.

Barrow is one of 100 towns selected to bid for £25 million in government cash as part of the Town Deal initiative and must make its case to the government soon.

Steve Cole is the Chief Infrastructure Officer at BAE Systems Submarine Solutions and is also chairman of the Town Deal Bard which has been set up to spearhead Barrow’s bid for the funding.

He said: "The response we have had from the people of Barrow so far has been great.

"Lots of residents and business owners have been keen to have their say on the list of proposals and have given their feedback either through the #BrilliantBarrow website or on social channels.

"We are today shining a spotlight on the list of proposed projects because we want to make sure as many people as possible are aware of what we are trying to achieve for our town.

"There is still time to get involved and I'm today urging anyone who has not had a look at the #BrilliantBarrow website to check it out and make their voice heard.

"This really is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of Barrow."

On Friday, May 15, members of the Town Deal Board will meet to discuss the feedback received from the public to date, and decide which projects from the long list will be immediately moved forward as part of the next stage in the process.

That means time is now running out for residents and business owners of the town to have their say on the initial list of proposals - although views will be welcomed once again, when the shortlist is finalised.

Proposals which do not make the shortlist at this stage will remain a part of the wider investment plan and will continue to be developed over a longer period of time.

Full details of each of the schemes can be found on the #BrilliantBarrow website brilliantbarrow.org.uk, along with details of how to have your say.

The Barrow Town Deal relates specifically to the town of Barrow-in-Furness. Alongside this, the Borderlands Inclusive Growth Deal is set to include a Place Programme that will support a number of smaller market and coastal towns across the Borderlands region.

Dalton-in-Furness has been put forward for inclusion in the Place Programme. Detailed work on a Place Plan for Dalton-in-Furness will be starting later in the year and the development of proposals will be supported by community and stakeholder engagement