CUMBRIA County Council has responded to the shocking figures revealed yesterday on teen pregnancy.

The Evening Mail reported that in Barrow, 17 out of 1,000 girls under 18 gave birth last year.

Experts have said that teenage pregnancy places parents at greater risk of mental health problems, and a greater dependency on the state.

A spokesman from Cumbria County Council said: "While teenage pregnancy rates in Barrow are high, the absolute number of pregnancies are relatively low and, while we are not complacent, overall there has been a huge decrease in teenage pregnancy over the last decade, nationally and in Barrow.

"There are a range of sexual health services available in Barrow, which are free to access and all users have the right to remain anonymous. All pharmacies, GP surgeries, GUM Clinics, and Family Planning Centres offer free contraception, as well as a friendly and impartial sexual health advice service.

"Schools have their own sexual education curriculum which is delivered in local secondary schools, though head teachers are ultimately responsible for deciding the extent and frequency of how sexual education is delivered. The council’s advice to young people is to think carefully about contraception and make use of the information and support available locally.

"In particular, there is a free drop in service available at Birchwood Clinic for Sexual Health at Furness General Hospital on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday of each week."

Michael Cassells, Borough Council spokesman for health and Well-Being said: "The Borough Council supports the work done by CCC on education and social care.

"I can commit to asking the Health and Well-Being forum to review how local initiatives are working together and involving young people in talking about the issue."

Read more about Barrow being named as the teen-pregnancy capital of the UK.