ALMOST a fifth of people believe improving transport is the most urgent issue in Barrow and Furness, according to a survey.

It comes as the Government is set to outline its plan to ‘level up’ the country, though anti-poverty charity the Joseph Rowntree Foundation said it must improve on its “piecemeal” attempts so far.

A survey by the think tank Demos asked 20,000 adults in parliamentary constituencies across Great Britain to choose which one of nine issues most urgently needs improving in their local area.

In Barrow and Furness, 19 per cent of residents chose good transport services.

This was followed by good local shops (18 per cent), and premises to support local jobs (13 per cent).

The most pressing issue nationally was having good shops, followed by good transport and jobs.

Demos said prioritising retailers was particularly prevalent in more built-up areas, while rural communities were more likely to see a lack of quality transport as a problem.

The think-tank has urged the Government to reflect on its research as it considers how best to spend the £4.8 billion earmarked for a levelling-up fund to reduce inequality across the UK.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson promised a levelling-up White Paper in the recent Queen’s Speech – to be unveiled later this year – saying it would “turbocharge” economic recovery nationwide.

In relation to transport, Cumbria County Council has launched a consultation asking for people’s feedback to help shape the plans, which aim to improve the infrastructure for cyclists and pedestrians.

In Barrow, proposals include segregated cycleways, pedestrian crossings and junction improvements for both cyclists and pedestrians on Bridge Road and Michaelson Road, which would be funded by £886,000 grant from the Department for Transport’s Active Travel Fund.

The survey also asked people how happy they are with what is currently on offer in their area.

In Barrow and Furness, an estimated 26 per cent of residents think that the provision of facilities they consider most important is nearer to ‘bad’ than ‘good’ – which was similar to the national average.

Cllr Keith Little, Cumbria County Council cabinet member for highways and transport, said: “Cycling and walking have many benefits, not just for our mental and physical wellbeing but also for improving air quality, reducing congestion and making our towns more vibrant.

“During the pandemic we’ve seen an upturn in cycling and walking for exercise and safe travel. With the Covid-19 restrictions starting to ease and more people returning to work, we are looking at measures to support this shift towards more active travel.

County councillor Keith Little

County councillor Keith Little

“To help develop our proposals, we are inviting the public to give us their views on the proposed routes. Identification of improvements will follow, taking account of the feedback we receive, and we will consult further on those later this year.

The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government said the Levelling Up Fund will regenerate high streets, upgrade local transport and invest in cultural assets.

A spokeswoman added: “Our Plan for Jobs will create opportunities for people of all ages wherever they live by boosting skills and giving them the best possible chance of getting a job.”