TOWN hall chiefs are locked in a race against time as they battle to fix the flagpole on the building’s tower in time for Remembrance Sunday.

Officers at Barrow Borough Council discovered this week that the hoisting mechanism on the two-year-old pole is not working correctly.

The authority has now pledged to do everything possible to ensure a flag can be raised in time to mark the day.

Councillor Kevin Hamilton, Mayor of Barrow, said a team of engineers were due to arrive in the town on Saturday to help resolve the issue.

“We always proudly raise a flag for Remembrance Sunday and we’re doing everything in our power to make sure it’s possible this weekend.

“The fault was discovered during a routine test on Wednesday.

“We’ve done all we can to rectify it ourselves within the team but to no avail.

“We’re confident the experts will have it working on Saturday but if that’s not possible, we’ll move to a contingency plan.

Cllr Hamilton added: “One way or another, the flag will fly on Sunday.”

Barrow Borough Council installed a new flagpole at the town hall two years ago to ensure the structure met stringent health and safety requirements.

It was last used - and found to be in full working order - in August.

The Union Flag is hoisted above Barrow Town Hall on more than 20 occasions every year as the authority observes celebratory, ceremonial or local events.

It is flown at full mast on Remembrance Sunday to remember the fallen in all conflicts.

If engineers are unable to fix the halyard before Sunday, the flag will instead be flown from the balcony of Barrow Town Hall.

Cllr Hamilton added: “We understand how important it is for Barrow and all residents of the borough to have the Union Flag at full mast on Sunday.

“No stone will be left unturned in our efforts to have the flagpole fully working in time for this to happen.”