Published at 17:21, Wednesday, 31 October 2012

REVELLERS are being put in danger by delays to plans to close Barrow streets at weekends, according to a landlord.

The Evening Mail reported last year that police wanted to make parts of some town centre streets off limits to vehicles on Fridays and Saturdays amid concerns over the safety of people walking in the roads at night.

However Cumbria County Council, which is responsible for the streets, has now said no action will be taken until the next financial year, which begins in April.

Mike Fallon, chairman of the Barrow and District Licensed Victuallers Association, said action must be taken before there was a serious accident.

“Maybe when one of the revellers gets run over or killed or breaks a bone then perhaps they will start thinking about it. If you want to prevent accidents then you have to do something,” he said.

Although the initial plan had been to close parts of Market Street, Duke Street, Lawson Street and Cornwallis Street, Mr Fallon also wants to see Cavendish Street closed.

Mr Fallon, who owns Theatre Bar in the street, said it was getting busier after the opening of the new nightclub Manhattans.

“There is no need for people to be driving on Cavendish Street, otherwise there is going to be an accident,” he said.

A county council spokeswoman said: “The proposal from Barrow police has not been progressed any further than the initial meeting with the local police.

“We have previously indicated we would assess the suggestion and look at budget costs although progression of the proposal would first require approval by the Barrow Local Committee, but this approval would only be sought once we have concluded our currently approved works and investigation programmes which have taken priority.

“As a result it is not expected any further progress will be made on the project this financial year.”

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk