READERS have had their say on what should fill the empty unit in Portland Walk, Barrow, after confectioners Thorntons left the premises.

Michael Vandom said: “Why would anyone want to open a business? They will be slated for doing so and if it’s made to housing you will also be slated!

“Barrow is a dead-end town where all people want to do is moan and complain instead of support and help! If we supported the local shops you would find people opening up more as they are trained, but unfortunately people would rather go to Aldi and complain the butchers or greengrocers have shut down!”

Christine Johnson said: “An upmarket restaurant would nice.”

Jacqui Armstrong said: “M&S Food on the ground floor and apartments on the first floor.”

Dan Bell said: “Has anyone said Primark? Or Burger King?”

Julie Livingston said: “We need fashion shops.”

John Wadsworth New said: “It could be a nice wine or cocktail bar. If the shopping scene is dead put it to use as something else other than flats. It was purpose built to be a leisure facility so it should stay that way, and evolve with the times.”

John Eccles said: “Men's fashion please – there is literally nowhere to go for menswear in this town, only seems to cater for women!”

Damion Burns said: “Oh God please not another takeaway, we have enough. A new charity shop would be good.”

Julie Macmillan Clarke said: “John Eccles where at? There’s basically New Look, lol.”

John Eccles replied: “Even stores that do men’s clothing it’s a small section – the rest is women’s.”

Julie Macmillan Clarke said: “As mum of two boys I agree there's always been lots more choice for girls, but currently a very poor selection for both.”