CONGRATULATIONS have been sent to Barrow Council for their successful bid for £16m worth of Government money.

Henry James said: "Congratulations to Barrow Borough Council for putting together a successful bid to the levelling up fund. Good job!"

Publicists said: "Well said. In these unprecedented times council workers have gone above and beyond job remits. As we'll as doing there own jobs they have been helping with Covid grant applications etc, the like of they have never seen before. To also put a bid together that has been successful in securing funding that will enhance and improve the market and forum area of the town needs to be applauded."

Sw33tcorn said: "I think the market would look fantastic if it was also themed with new style stalls and water features, etc, to entice shoppers.

"People's shopping habits have changed over the years and have helped towards the demise of the towns. They no longer want to shop outside and have flocked to fancy INTU Shopping Centres, etc, and so long as there's a Costa Coffee involved they are happy showing off where they have been by posting on Facebook.

"Many people only go for the food and drink at these shopping centres anyway. They have only themselves to blame!

"Barrow Market is a good size and I wish them success in transforming the market to accommodate modern trends. Congratulations!"

Projects included in the fund bid were:

• Work to the Market Hall which would see the ground floor of the building regenerated to include improved stall spaces, a food hall, soft play area for children

• A new look exterior offering a shared entrance with improved access to The Forum and Barrow Market

• Better connectivity with the rest of the town through improvements to transport infrastructure and the public realm