A NEW housing market renewal programme could be put into place as part of the #BrilliantBarrow scheme.

In September the Government invited 100 places to develop proposals for a Town Deal, as part of the £3.6 billion Towns Fund.

One potential project is a housing development scheme, focusing on key areas of need in the town which could include Barrow Island, Walney and Hindpool/Central.

This could include refurbishment, redevelopment, improvements to public spaces and new homes.

Such property improvements include energy efficiency and aesthetic enhancements, as well as combining units to create larger modern units and creating accommodation to meet the needs of different occupiers.

The Mail reader Jessie Critch agreed that the town is in need of new housing, stating there are ‘no affordable homes in decent areas that young people can afford to buy’.

She said: “It’s crazy how much the houses cost on Thorncliffe Road where the old school is.

“Barrow is a dying town to be honest, it’s a shame everywhere is closing down - not many opportunities for young people now to be honest .”

Another reader, John Wadsworth said: “It’s in need of new builds that people can actually afford.

“Either that or some regeneration round the town centre housing.”

Barrow and Furness MP Simon Fell said: “A lot of Barrow’s character comes from its housing stock. But not all of that stock meets the needs of modern families, and sometimes public space is lacking.

“This programme would build on Barrow’s unique homes – refreshing and renewing them, and making the local area more attractive, greener and a nicer place to live.”