WE all know local councils face an unenviable tightening of the purse strings.

With funds from central government slashed the authorities responsible for many public services have to find savings.

It is no surprise that many services, including maintenance of the roads, will have their budgets cut, and this is a sad but necessary step to take.

And in most circumstances we understand that it may take longer for roads to be repaired or resurfaced.

But with Bridge Road in Barrow there is no doubt that the road caries a significantly higher volume, and weight, of traffic as a result of its location in the shipyard.

Heavy load movements, which are becoming more regular, place immeasurable pressure on the road and it really is no exaggeration when one motorist likens it to the surface of the moon.

The shipyard is one of Barrow's key assets and the opportunities it brings to the town are immense.

But the shipyard must also take responsibility for the impact it has on the local environment and it is clear that the roads on Barrow Island have taken a battering because of the shipyard's success.

BAE Systems must be prepared to reach a compromise with the council in order to ensure the roads around the shipyard are in a safe condition.