MORE independent retailers are looking to open up shop in Barrow town centre, regeneration bosses have revealed.

With two vacant units in Dalton Road now 'under offer', and work continuing to convert the upstairs of the former Store Twenty One into flats, there is a 'renewed optimism' in the future of Barrow's high street.

Business Improvement District manager Colin Garnett said he believed a host of town centre events over the last 12 months have helped to instil greater pride in Barrow.

While we have lost a number of national chains we are getting a few new independent stores opening up," he said.

"We're also seeing a better standard of business premises too and we've been helping with that through our shopfront grants.

"I do believe that the events that we have put on over the last 12 months have really increased that sense of pride in the town and promoted the town so people are starting to think 'there are things going on in the town and we have to support our home town'."

Mr Garnett added that other, smaller retailers are also looking to take advantage of the impending gap in the market once Marks & Spencer closes in Spring 2020.

"What we do need to get better at is being more proactive in how we transform and change the town centre rather than being reactive to store closures," Mr Garnett added.

"It's not all doom and gloom in Barrow... in fact, I think the doom and gloom is significantly decreasing and we're seeing a lot more positivity in Barrow's high street through vacant units being taken up."