Furious MP attacks BBC for showing Barrow in 'negative light'

Simon Fell claimed pictures in a North West Tonight report used 'tired tropes' that 'did not paint the town in its best light'.

In a furious letter to BBC director general Tim Davie, Mr Fell said he was disappointed the report on Barrow's AUKUS submarine project featured clips of 'derelict buildings, boarded properties and doors covered with graffiti'.

Mr Fell wrote: "Whilst it was great to see Barrow and the hard work of BAE Systems, the Council and the wider Team Barrow partners featured, I was disappointed by the decision of BBC North West to include shots portraying Barrow in a very negative light.

"These include clips displaying derelict buildings, boarded properties and doors covered with graffiti.

"Considering the central focus of the news story was the progress and positive future which lies ahead for Barrow thanks to the growth of the shipyard due to the delivery of Dreadnought and AUKUS, I believe that the imagery in this report used the same old tired tropes of a coastal community town and did not paint the town in its best light or reflect the optimism which these announcements should bring."

The MP said he was looking forward to hearing the thoughts of the director general on the matter.

The BBC has been contacted for comment.

Mr Fell added: “To be able to fulfill AUKUS, Barrow needs to be marketed as a great place to live and work.

"I would never expect the BBC to do such marketing, but just as their news output is designed to be fair and balanced, so should the imagery in it.

“It is notable that there were no images of our new housing stock, fantastic beaches, and nature reserves, or our strong cultural and sporting offering.

“I look forward to hearing their thoughts on this matter, and hope that they will address my concerns going forward.”

The Mail is supporting Mr Fell's campaign to achieve royal status for Barrow, recognising the town's role in global security and providing hope and optimism for the future.