THE manager of Barrow Business Improvement District (BID) stated that the face of Barrow’s town centre was inevitably going change as Debenhams became another big name to announce it was on the brink of going in administration due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The 242-year-old shop chain, which has a branch in the centre of Barrow, said it would be winding up its UK operations if no buyers for the company were forthcoming.

Neil Probert said: “The effects of the coronavirus pandemic on town centres has been exacerbated by the exponential growth in online shopping. Councils nationwide, backed by the government, really need to develop a sustainable long-term strategy for the future wellbeing of town centres in order to avoid them from becoming derelict ghost towns.”

Dave Barrington said: “The rent and business rates are far too high in this town, not to mention the car parking charges. Plus, what is there left now that officers club, Topshop, river island and Debenhams have all gone. If you want to attract people to the town you need to offer something that can't be bought online.”

Paul Simon said: “Complain to Simon Fell about the rates as they are set by Central government is the Conservative party. The council just act as the collectors of such tax on the behalf of the government. As for rents all but one building in Dalton Road and Portland Walk, which is the council owned Ambassador House where Barhead Travel is, are owned privately either through pension funds or private landlords.”

Phil Cooper said: “You can buy everything online unless you can think of something. Let me know and I'll be onto it. Business rates in Barrow are not as big an issue as in some towns. They are comparatively reasonable, and plenty of local traders enjoy rate free properties.”

Philip Burke said: “I absolutely agree. I would rather lower my rent as a landlord than sit with an empty shop for months and years.”

John Barrow said: “Losing Debenhams is another blow to the High Street. The town centre does indeed need to shrink, and now is the time for the BID and the authorities to come up with a vision backed by an action plan. The Debenhams building is big and could be reconfigured to be a mix of smaller walk in shops, or even an extension to the market hall, with a food court. Whatever they do, please do not allow it to be a big empty decaying building, like Furness House has become. We need to look at other towns who have had to diversify.”