BAE Systems apprentices are replacing the rusted gates at a Barrow Island park.

Trainee steelworkers and welders have completed the first of five gates planned for Farm Street Park, known locally as ‘The Rec’.

A total of £270,000 has been invested in new equipment following a Big Local Lottery Grant to the park. BAE Systems will donate the gates as part of its Community Investment scheme, providing a long-lasting finishing touch to the rejuvenated park.

BAE Systems Apprentice Training Coordinator John Harris said: “The initial idea was to refurbish the gates but when we had a look it made more sense to replace the whole lot.

“The apprentices are just starting out in their careers; they’ve come straight from college into fabrication training at BAE Systems. This project gives them a completely different kind of experience, dealing directly with a customer.

“They’ve measured the gates, sourced the metal, they’ve more or less done everything.”

The first gate will be shot-blasted and painted before it is installed. When all the gates are finished it will be cause for celebration for Barrow Island Community Trust, which made the initial application for support to BAE Systems’ Community Investment Panel.

Trust member Russ Taylor, who is also Electrical, Mechanical and Test Section Manager at BAE Systems, said: “The refurbished Farm Street Rec Park gates from BAE Systems means the children can play in a secure and safe area.

“The Farm Street Park was designed to reflect ideas from the children of Barrow Island – they are proud of their park and consider it to be the best in Barrow. The new gates will be a further sign of the pride the community has in the park and the strong link with BAE Systems.”