A £2M expansion of a discount store has been given the green light.

Planning has been approved to expand Home Bargains into the neighbouring Poundstretcher store in Barrow's Walney Road Retail Park - increasing the store capacity to nearly twice its current size.

Proposals submitted to Barrow Barrow Council say the two units would be joined together with a new entrance to Home Bargains to built in place of the Poundstretcher store.

The approved proposal also stipulates a new shop front customer entrance feature, a trolley park, revised car parking and plant area. The chain will seal the sale of the freehold of the three units in the park - Argos and Poundstretcher sit either side of the current store. According to plans, the work would make up part of a £2m investment by the company, which has another smaller store in Barrow town centre. Bill McEwan, Barrow Borough Councillor, welcomed the expansion plans.

He said: "I really welcome the plans, I think it'll be really great for the retail park.

"I sit on the planning committee and know the store was also talking about putting charging points in the car park which is a fantastic idea.

"The Government has just announced the ban of diesel and petrol cars by 2030 so we all need to be heading in the electric direction.

"I welcome the whole complex, I think it's a great move for the town."

Cllr McEwan hopes the expansion will create more jobs for people within the town.

He said: "I'm hoping the expansion will mean more jobs are being created and help people get working who may be unemployed or on the dole.

"It's a great bit of news for the town.

"It's good during the pandemic that things are still happening and there is some positive news going on."