CONSTRUCTION has begun on the exercise spaces in Barrow to help boost physical and mental wellbeing in the area.

Over the last 10 years there has been a rise in health deprivation while opportunities for people to access exercise and safe spaces have decreased.

The idea behind these plans will help to ensure residents have access to facilities with no cost to them.

Cllr Iain Mooney, Barrow Borough Council's spokesman for health and wellbeing has backed this scheme since the beginning and expressed his delight that things are moving forward.

"I met up with Marie Richards our head of Grounds Maintenance in Barrow Park to see how the new installation of our outdoor exercise equipment was coming along," he said.

"Part of the Council Wellbeing Hubs plan, Barrow Park and Vickerstown Park on Walney will both have outdoor exercise equipment installed. I am also working with fellow Dalton Councillors to look at installing in equipment in Dalton.

"Following their installation, we will be looking at doing a year-long impact study on how it has helped our community.

"Our Borough has big pockets of increasing health deprivation, with many unable to access Gyms and other leisure facilities for a number of reasons.

"Our plan is to ensure that everyone has access to equipment and the means for healthy living."

Last year Barrow secured cash from the government’s Towns Fund Accelerated Funding scheme for a series of key projects. The money, part of a government pledge to support jobs and economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, will help deliver three capital schemes in the town by 2021.

The schemes which this project is targeting are:

- Acquiring key sites that will support the regeneration of the Barrow’s waterfront and enhance the gateway access to a new vibrant neighbourhood of the future.

- Revitalising and repurpose key spaces in the town centre through a programme of acquisition, demolition and site clearance.

- Tackling health inequalities through the enhancement of Barrow’s outdoor activity offer.