Plea for cash to help Barrow

BAE systems has said 700 jobs are to go in Barrow

The leader of Barrow Borough Council says he is hopeful of financial help for the Cumbrian town, following a meeting with a government minister.

Terry Waiting was part of the group which met the Department of Trade and Industry minister Alan Johnston.

The delegation was pressing for the restoration of a government grant given to companies which want to invest in Barrow.

Defence giant BAE Systems last month announced proposals to axe 700 workers in the town, and to move the building of a fleet of Type 45 destroyers from Cumbria to docks on the River Clyde.

'Very supportive'

Mr Waiting said the meeting went well, and that the minister was supportive of the council's bid for European funding, and other grants to help incoming businesses.

He said: "He was very supportive to the arguments we are putting forward.

"We were talking to the minister about whether we could get proper workloadings from BAE Systems, and get them to come clean with us about what their future is in Barrow.

"At least if we know what the truth is, we can deal with it and move forward. We don't want to be losing a few hundred jobs every few years.

"Mr Johnston said he would approach BAE Systems for us."

A further meeting is being held in July to see what help the government has been able to provide.