THE MAIL readers have reacted to calls for more cash to fix Barrow’s backlog of ‘third world’ back streets. The repair bill for its 320 back streets has soared to over £12 million. Yet any fixes have to come out of an annual £1.2 million budget which is quickly eaten up by other highways jobs, a meeting heard.

Tina Shepherd said: “Third World, as if! Obviously never been further than the outskirts of Barrow.”

Eddie Worthington said: “Absolutely appalling roads and pavements in Askam, crude repairs (when done) that last a few weeks at best. Third world standards indeed.”

Valerie Osliff said: “My elderly mother lives in town centre. The backstreet is a disgrace, full of rubbish that nearby residents can’t be bothered to get rid of responsibly. They struggle to get their mobility scooters out of their backyard into the backstreet due to the amount of rubbish. Absolute disgrace.”

Patricia Caldwell said: “Get rid of the tarmac. Those cobbles look amazing.”

Sarah Barnard said: “I lived in the town centre a few years ago it was definitely down to the residents! Lazy and dirty.”

Lisa Holman said: “Dirty residents with no pride or interest in their environment; along with poorly maintained road surfaces contribute to the state of some backstreets in areas of Barrow Town centre.”

Hayley Blowers said: “What about Askam where many front streets are unmade never mind back streets! And residents have to pay for them to be made up if they want a bit of tarmac instead of potholes.”

Linda Laing said: “Just rip the tarmac off. The cobbles are lovely. Olde worlde.”

Dave Goodwin said: “Mine is like a race track you have to look left and right to open the backyard door.”

Carla Sharples said: “We have third world front streets, the pot holes are around a foot deep.”

Kris Telfer said: “My back street is like a roller coaster ride and a dumping ground for rubbish.”