Local MP, Michelle Scrogham, has welcomed today’s spending review announcement of a £20m investment in central Barrow over the next decade as part of a new fund aimed at improving 20 neglected areas across England.

Dubbed “trailblazer neighbourhoods” they have been singled out to lead the way in community-led regeneration and renewal.

The investment is in addition to the £200m Barrow Transformation Fund which the Labour Government announced in November.

Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham said: “This investment will support the people in Barrow Central area to drive forward the changes they want to see in their community.

“It’s designed to put local people at the centre of delivering change that they can see and feel in their everyday lives.

“The residents of central Barrow have witnessed far too many years of underinvestment and decline.

“Once again this Government is investing to unlock the potential of our area and is putting in the money to undo the damage caused by years of neglect.

Councillor David Cassidy, who represents the ward on Westmorland and Furness Council said: “This is strong investment from Labour and we will need to work hard to make sure it reaches the residents who need it most, focusing on housing, infrastructure and our young people’s education.”