MEN from Barrow are likely to die almost four years younger than the average person in the UK, new statistics show.

The new data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) reveals the average life expectancy for men at birth - assuming living conditions remain the same - was one of the lowest nationally at 77.3 years between 2016 and 2018. The average life expectancy for men and women in the UK, by contrast, was around 81 years.

During the same period, the national average age for England was 79.6 years, while the mean figure for the North-West was 78.3.

Within Cumbria, the number for Barrow fell over two years short of the county-wide average (79.4 years) and was four-and-a-half years below the average male life expectancy in Eden and South Lakeland.

Out of almost 300 areas surveyed by the ONS, only 22 areas were found to have a lower male life expectancy rate at birth across England and Wales.

Cllr Shaun Blezard believes Barrow’s 'worrying' life expectancy trends for men is mainly due to inequalities stretching across the area.

He said: “If a more area-specific breakdown was available, I suspect the figures would be even more shocking.

"There are almost Victorian levels of poverty and disparity across some parts of Barrow.

“Suicide rates are through the roof as a result.

"There are parts of the towns around here separated by little more than a hill where the life expectancy difference is about 10 years between one side and the other.”

Cumbria Action For Health member and councillor Michael Cassells, blamed a lack of investment.

He said: “It is sad that these figures don’t come as a surprise given the lack of investment in physical and mental health services.

"Despite the difficulties we have a strong network of local charities and a local NHS that are working to give people more integrated and accessible support.”