A POPULAR promenade walk alongside the dock in Barrow will remain closed until it has been made 'safe' by Associated British Ports (ABP). 

The walk is behind Morrisons and it runs along the quayside at Buccleuch Dock. The walk is popular with residents but it has been closed since June. It is licenced by ABP to Westmorland and Furness Council for public access, but the organisation is currently putting in safety measures after incidents involving people jumping from the quayside into the dock. 

An ABP spokesperson said: "The Town Quay promenade in Barrow is licenced by ABP to Westmorland and Furness Council for public access. It has been closed since June for upgrades in the interest of public safety following a number of incidents involving individuals jumping from the quayside into Buccleuch Dock.

"The closure is necessary to put in place measures to increase water safety such as the installation of new quayside ladders, replacement of railings and signage warning people of the dangers of swimming in a dock. It will reopen when it is safe to do so.

"As the statutory harbour authority, ABP is committed to promoting water safety. This is why earlier this year we organised a very popular water safety training day for schools. Being aware of the dangers of swimming in docks can prevent incidents and save lives."

Barrow resident Keith Hardman posted a photo of the walk into a social media group and said that he had been told it was closed for maintenance. Other Barrovians asked when the walk will open again to the public. 

He said: "I saw the introduction of the dockside and channelside walks as two of the best assets to the town in many years. I use both quite often throughout the year.

"Many local people use them for exercise, recreation and to enjoy the sights and sounds of the town and its history. I often walk from Morrisons along the dockside then on to the gas terminal and Roa Island."