THE state of some of Barrow’s significant buildings remains firmly in the spotlight.

From the former registry office on Abbey Road, which is in danger of collapse, to the condition of Portland Walk’s multi-storey car park.

Regular visitors to Abbey Road will also know that the burned out House of Lords continues to remain a blot on the landscape. Property ownership and the role of local authorities is incredibly complicated and mired in all sorts of legalese, covenants and restrictions.

This can make progress slow and frustrating. We may not agree with it, but this is the reality of the regulations.

Councils are also keen to avoid taking on potentially costly liabilities. After all, why should taxpayers take on the burden? The fact that many buildings in Barrow are in excess of 100 years old is part of the problem.

But you do have to admire the skill of our Victorian forefathers that significant properties all over town are still standing today, despite the severe weather thrown at them down the decades. All the people of Barrow want, we venture, is a town centre to be proud of.

The condition of buildings makes a big statement about how a town feels about its local environment. Along with councils, the private sector, the community, the graffiti ‘artists’ and litter droppers, also have a role in the Barrow we see today.