A LEADING councillor has said there are bright times ahead for Barrow amid multiple ongoing projects to bring improvement to the town. 

Thousands of new jobs at BAE Systems, a University of Cumbria campus and redevelopment of the town centre are among the initiatives that residents are set to benefit from.

Cllr Neil Hughes expressed optimism about Barrow's 'exciting' future but stressed more workers, students and visitors would bring the 'potential for thousands more car journeys around the town'.

“We need to think about the future and creating opportunities for different ways for people to get around Barrow," he said.

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Cllr Hughes, cabinet member for transport at Westmorland and Furness Council, was commenting on the news that a period of consultation on suggested new sustainable travel routes in the town was to be launched next week.

Public opinion is to be sought on two sections of a wider proposal. These are a stretch along Abbey Road and a route crossing Walney Island. 

“We are looking at travel options that are cleaner, greener and provide a safe and sustainable infrastructure that we hope will appeal to everyone – from the commuters travelling to the shipyard, students travelling to university, schools or colleges, and families going out for a ride at the weekend," said Cllr Hughes.

“Not only will this avoid the roads becoming clogged up by more cars, it will make it easier for people to keep fit and will contribute to fresher air and a cleaner environment for all.’’

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The wider network of sustainable travel routes is being funded by the Government's Towns Fund and Active Travel Fund.

Steve Cole, chairman of the board of #BrilliantBarrow, a partnership group that began as a bid for money from the Towns Fund, said: "We want to ensure that Barrow is a town for everyone, where residents can fulfil their aspirations, where young people choose to live, and where businesses can invest and grow."

The consultation on the Abbey Road and Walney routes is to run from May 19 to June 9. The council has said further details, including how people can have their say, will be released when the consultation launches.