READERS have had their say after plans were approved by Barrow Borough Council planning committee to bulldoze Atkinson Health Centre/Ambulance Station in Barrow.

The site on Market Street will be used as a temporary 70-space 24-hour car park in preparation for site re-development.

Simon Dogdeson said: “The town needs something for the kids.”

Ami Welch said: “Why can’t the council come up with something we need? I’ve noticed the grassy part across the road is getting done out – most probably be a car park. Why can’t the council turn it into something that will help the homeless?”

Tom Hendrie said: “I wouldn’t like to propel my wheelchair up the slope to Market Street and I’m a pretty fit wheelie. Also anyone who actually NEEDS a wheelchair space simply isn’t going to park so far from the shops etc.”

Duncan Mills said: “Local demand for more parking? The town's full of car parks and the town centre is an eyesore – charity, pound and coffee shops coupled with seagulls and dog dirt, get real Barrow Council.”

Publicists said: “The car park is not being run by the council – the land has been purchased by a private investor. On planing grounds the planning committee at Barrow council have no grounds to refuse such an application. If they refused it on the grounds we have enough parking the developer would appeal and win. The bill for that appeal would be paid for by the council. Loser pays appeal bills.”

Northern Lass said: “Don’t you think there will be plenty of space on the rooftop car park as there are no shops for you to shop in."