TOWN leaders have been criticised for making no arrangements to commemorate the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
Barrow Borough Council failed to discuss ways to remember the day that over 19,000 British soldiers were killed in action in the First World War barttle, with nine of those being Furness-born servicemen.
Deputy leader of Barrow Borough Council, Councillor Brendan Sweeney, defended the council's decision by insisting that the town doesn't have a "strong enough connection" with the Somme to warrant a ceremony of remembrance.
He said: "I don't think it is wrong that there is not something being done. There was a loss of life throughout the First World War.
"It's commemoration not celebration; the Somme is thankfully a battle that did not have horrendous consequences for us."
However, the sentiment was not shared by Dave Barlow, the honorary vice president of the Submariners Association, who labelled the lack of remembrance as an "embarrassment."
He said: "I'm not surprised at all, the council need to show more respect. I think it's an embarrassment when half of the country have got commemorations going on today."
"Even Ulverston has got something going on to remember those who died at the Somme but Barrow still does nothing which makes me feel very sad."
Leader of the council, Councillor Dave Pidduck, said that no arrangements were made by members to commemorate Britain's bloodiest battle and that no members of the public had contacted them to arrange a remembrance service.
He said: "I can understand people's frustrations and I accept their criticisms but it was not something that was raised by any members of the council or any members of the public.
"People will have grandparents that fought in the Somme and I can understand the centenary bringing it all back to them and I can understand if anyone wants to have a pop at me."
The Royal British Legion will hold a remembrance parade in Ulverston to mark the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
Carlisle took part in a candlelit vigil on Thursday night to remember the fallen soldiers of Britain's bloodiest battle.
READ MORE: Royal British Legion remembers the Somme in Ulverston
Battle of the Somme's first day claimed 20 South Cumbrian lives
Barrow officer Killed leading his men into battle
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here