WE have got used to the idea of Barrow having a town square but 20 years ago townsfolk weren't sure whether to celebrate the new amenity area - or tear up its flagstones.

The Mail, on August 9 in 1999 noted that contractors were finishing the last sections of paving near the town hall and the statue of Lord Frederick Cavendish was about to be put in place.

Many groups had already applied to host events in the £1m new open space but not everyone was happy with the changes.

The town's Citizens' Panel, made up of 1,000 electors, was to asked if the square should stay - or be ripped up.

On August 15 the new town square was one of the sites used for a festival called The Streets of the North - featuring acrobatics, rope walking and even fire juggling.

The finale to the day of activities was provided in the town square by the Barracudas with a mythical story called Fenice the Firebird, which was told by more than 100 performers in dance, music and a stilt parade.