THE BBC has defended a report claimed to have shown Barrow in a 'negative light'.

Furness MP Simon Fell accused BBC North West Tonight of using 'tired tropes'  in a report on Barrow's AUKUS submarine project.

He bemoaned clips of 'derelict buildings, boarded properties and doors covered with graffiti' and wrote to the corporation's director general to express his frustration.

Mr Fell wrote: "Whilst it was great to see Barrow and the hard work of BAE Systems, the Council and the wider Team Barrow partners featured, I was disappointed by the decision of BBC North West to include shots portraying Barrow in a very negative light.

"These include clips displaying derelict buildings, boarded properties and doors covered with graffiti.

"Considering the central focus of the news story was the progress and positive future which lies ahead for Barrow thanks to the growth of the shipyard due to the delivery of Dreadnought and AUKUS, I believe that the imagery in this report used the same old tired tropes of a coastal community town and did not paint the town in its best light or reflect the optimism which these announcements should bring."

He added that the BBC's use of pictures should be 'fair and balanced' and did not feature 'our new housing stock, fantastic beaches, and nature reserves, or our strong cultural and sporting offering'.

The BBC has responded to concerns expressed by the MP.

Explaining the report, a spokesman said: “The report focussed on the positives of the new deal for submarines being built in Barrow, and the beneficial impact it would have on the local community.

“It featured celebratory shots of world leaders making the announcement, interviews with hopeful apprentices at BAE, and key voices from the region praising the ‘once in a generation opportunity’.

"The shot of a derelict building was used in the context to show how that particular property would be part of a new housing redevelopment thanks to the investment.”

The Mail is supporting Mr Fell's campaign to achieve royal status for Barrow, recognising the town's role in global security and providing hope and optimism for the future.