THE owners of a popular independent retailer in Barrow have voiced their frustration at damage caused to their new store.

Having forged a loyal customer base at their stall on Barrow Market husband-and-wife team Dane and Kelly Richardson expanded Barnhouse Interiors in December.

Their homemade wooden toy boxes, furniture, coat hooks, mirrors, bath boards and trays have proved a hit with shoppers in Barrow looking to add something unique to their home.

The family-run interior design and woodwork firm moved into premises in Scott Street which has become a hub for local, independent retailers.

The expansion has allowed Barnhouse to take on a number of new employees and add to their product range.

The Richardsons have gone from strength-to-strength since the move but this weekend suffered a disappointing setback.

Mr Richardson explained on Saturday: "Emma opened our shop today. One of the challenges Emma faces is that she's very small and can't reach the shutter switch.

"She couldn't get in this morning because the council decided to remove the temporary step we had made and in the process took our shop with it."

Mr Richardson voiced his frustration in a post on the store's Facebook page.

He praised other independent retailers and Colin Garnett from Barrow's Business Improvement District for their work in supporting local businesses.

Mr Garnett responded to the post and said he would look into what had happened with the Scott Street store's step.

Local authorities are able to take action to remove any object from the pavement which could be viewed as an obstruction to pedestrians or motorists.

The governance of pavements in Barrow usually comes under the remit of Barrow Borough Council while Cumbria County Council is responsible for the highways.

While shops and businesses can be permitted to place displays and signage on the pavement this requires permission from the council.