A SENIOR councillor said that people stereotype when it comes to Barrow and they do not know what the town has to offer.

The Office for National Statistics has predicted that Barrow will see a fall of 4.6 per cent of Barrovians living in the town, the third highest in the country.

The overall population of the town is expected to fall by a further 3000 people in the next 10 years.

The town has been named as the local authority area set to see the biggest population decline in England over the next 10 years.

But Dave Pidduck, Barrow Borough Council leader dismissed the reports and claimed that they are only predictions.

He said: "You can not predict something like this and I believe that people stereotype Barrow too much without realising what the town has to offer.

"It has one of the biggest employers in the country, a beautiful coastline and a wonderful community.

"The people of Barrow are very close to each other, you only have to look at the terrific work people have done with the foodbank support.

"Many local schools are performing above the national average so it is a great place to live."

A lot of concern has been raised about the decline of Barrow town centre.

A comment on The Mail's Facebook page called the current condition 'a disgrace' and stated that the high street is shabby and run-down.

Mr Pidduck said Barrow Borough Council are working hard with other organisations to ensure the town centre will be thriving again.

"Barrow BID is driving the high street and we are working with them to provide new opportunities.

"Plans are in place and we are also working in partnership with local people and businesses.

Mr Pidduck added: "Having a huge Primark is easy to say, but we can't do anything if they are not interested in coming to Barrow then there is nothing we can do.

"It is private sector which will have to lead this recovery but we are all in this together."