LABOUR has promised it will expand Barrow's port if it wins December's general election.

The party launched its manifesto for the North-West on Friday, pledging to build 18,000 new council homes in the region and a new high-speed rail line across the Pennines, as well as saying it will develop Barrow's port.

Exact details of the expansion plans have not yet been made public. Barrow Port did not comment on the pledge.

Chris Altree, Labour's parliamentary candidate for Barrow, said: "I am proud that with the launch of our Labour Manifesto for the North West we will be able to move wealth and opportunity back to the North West, back to Barrow-and-Furness, which gives so much to our nation.

"This will mean investment in our assets and our community. One of our greatest resources is our proximity to the coast and our shipyard. Our Manifesto for the North West has pledged to expand it which will mean investment, well-paid unionised jobs and guaranteeing the future of our community."

"The Labour Party has promised to invest £100 million, match funded by the private sector, to expand the port of Barrow and upgrade Cammell Laird . This is part of a package to enable the UK to become a world leader in the offshore renewable energy industry. This cements our commitment to Barrow shipyard and our offshore wind farm."

Simon Fell, the Conservative Party candidate for Barrow, said: "I noticed Labour's North-West manifesto doesn't include even one mention of the dreadnought programme, which I think shows you where their priorities are."