THE future of Cumbria is looking bleak after a new report predicts it to see the biggest population drop in the country.
Barrow has been named as the local authority area set to see the biggest population decline in England over the next 10 years.
Expected to see a 4.3 per cent decrease by 2024, the population of the area is likely to drop to 64,700, down from 67,600.
Figures from the report produced by the Office of National Statistics show Copeland following suit after it was earmarked to see the second biggest fall and a drop of 2.4 per cent.
It is believed the decline is a result of immigration, fertility and mortality rates as the population of London boroughs soar on the back of immigration and rural communities in the north of the country battle with ageing populations.
The Tower Hamlets were identified as the fastest growing area, seeing an increase of 25.1 per cent over the next ten years, with other London boroughs making up the top 10 fastest growing areas.
South Lakeland was also named among the top 10 slowest growing areas as it was predicted a negligible drop from today's population of 103,300 to 103,200 in 2024.
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