The MP for Barrow and Furness met with senior government officials  this week to discuss proposals for the area.

Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, alongside Team Barrow, BAE and Westmorland and Furness Council met the cabinet secretary as well as other government officials in Whitehall ahead of the upcoming budget.

Mr Fell said: “This was the third formal meeting of the group, giving us an opportunity ahead of the budget to touch base and ensure that the local and national views on what the next steps should be are aligned, with a clear emphasis on housing, transport, health and supporting people into work.”

Team Barrow is a collection of senior civil servants and local community leaders with the aim of ensuring Barrow benefits from the major defence projects taking place in the town.

Mr Fell added: “Given the guaranteed growth that Furness will see as a result of this huge endeavour, we need to plan for significant population growth with improvements in road, rail, housing, education, health and the social fabric of the community all considered.

“It’s hugely exciting to be a part of this enormous project and I’m very grateful to the Cabinet Secretary for his continued support, and to Westmorland and Furness Council and BAE for their engagement to date.”