BARROW AFC bosses say an increase in seating capacity at their ground will provide a boost to the area.

The club has submitted a proposal to Westmorland and Furness Council to keep Holker Street stadium compliant with English Football League (EFL) regulations and to provide 2,000 covered seats by August 1, 2023.

The ground currently has only 1,130, with a total existing capacity of 5,449.

The application is for: "Installation of two new 'temporary' covered grandstands adjacent to Wilkie Road and seating in front of the Cross Bar and associated works."

The plan would see the capacity increased to 'circa 6,300 to 6500'.

The planning statement, signed by Director, Frazer Stewart, says: "Failure to comply with the criteria will result in the central payment from the EFL being stopped.

"This accounts for around 33 per cent of the club’s annual income and would endanger the existence of the club.”

The statement goes on to outline the 'significant benefits to the wider community' the extra seats would bring.

This includes the extra provision for away supporters.

The statement says: "The number of away fans will increase from around 650 to around 950.

"There are a significant number of away fans who stop over for the weekend and visit other towns.

"For example, 150 Stockport fans visited the pubs of Ulverston on February 25.

"Furthermore, it will also provide wheelchair access for away fans to watch with their fellow fans, and not having to watch the match surrounded by home.

The statement also explains how the proposal would provide an extra 100 step-free seats for those with mobility issues.

It outlines further benefits the proposal brings, saying: "The increase brings with it the requirement for more stewards, bar, catering, and turnstile staff, increasing the casual employment in Barrow.

"The structures proposed for use are second-hand, from the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, not only reducing costs but also reducing the environmental impact of building brand new equipment."

An area of the ground would be demolished as part of the proposal.

The statement says: "The area which houses the away fans causes the club and the council safety advisory group significant and continued concern, part of which has been barriered off since July 2022, such is the concern.

"The works proposed demolishes the area and removes all areas of concern."