SCHOOL pupils across Barrow are helping to shape an ambitious project to create an outdoor community space at beautiful Earnse Bay.

Youngsters at five schools in the borough; Walney School, Greengate Junior School, South Walney Infant and Nursery School, North Walney Nursery and Primary School and Victoria Academy took part in the Earnse Bay Field Development Challenge to help ensure the site on Walney Island goes on to offer programmes and activities that reflect the wants and needs of the community in the future.

The proposed hub forms part of the #BrilliantBarrow initiative - a series of innovative projects to have secured £25 million in funding from the Government’s Towns Fund. Once constructed, it is hoped the location will host special programmes to promote health and wellbeing, education, sustainability, the environment and green energy from its picturesque coastal location.

Simonetta Tiribocchi, Cumbria County Council Community development officer, said: “This is an incredible opportunity so it’s very important to make sure the centre goes on to offer activities that reflect what people in our community actually want and are interested in.

“The surroundings of Earnse Bay are absolutely world class.

"We want to make sure the design, space available and programme of events reflect that."

Earnse Bay outdoor community space would be one of four community hubs in Barrow where local people will be supported to develop skills, access services and come together to build strong and resilient communities following the Covid-19 pandemic.

Inspired by their visit to the site, many of the school pupils created posters and Powerpoint presentations - and even a video - to illustrate their ideas to bring the community together at the location.

Ann Thomson, leader of Barrow Borough Council said: “We all look forward to using the invaluable ideas provided by our residents and young people to bring the Earnse Bay outdoor community space to life.”