Town to get £1.5m extra fire cash for defence role
BBCA town will get £1.5m a year in extra money to boost its fire and rescue capability due to its growing national defence role.
Barrow is home to BAE Systems, which produces nuclear submarines, and is expanding thanks to new government contracts.
Cumbria's police, fire and crime commissioner David Allen said the funding announcement came after months of work with the county's fire service and the area's MP Michelle Scrogham.
"As government asks more of Barrow, it is only right that the government invests in the services that keep people safe," the Labour commissioner said.
He added: "I have always been clear that local taxpayers should not be expected to shoulder the cost of protecting nationally significant defence infrastructure."
Chief fire officer Ben Ryder said the investment was "transformational".
"It will enhance our operational resilience, improve firefighter safety, create new employment opportunities and strengthen our ability to respond to major incidents.
"It reflects the evidence we have presented over many months and ensures the service has the capability needed to meet the demands of Barrow's growing strategic role."
Prime Minister Andy Burnham visited the Barrow shipyard last week, where four new Dreadnought-class submarines are being built.
He said plans to replace existing nuclear submarines would receive £8.4bn to support progress towards getting the new vessels ready for service.
The expansion of the shipyard recently also featured in a 10-year strategy for the town, to help it deal with an increase in population.
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