Locals have slammed what they have called a tarmac 'mess' outside the former Thomas Cook branch in Barrow town centre.

A photograph of the works at the corner of Dalton Road and Cavendish Street was posted to a Facebook group dedicated to old and current photos of the town.

The post has gained 66 reactions - with the majority of them angry and shocked.

The caption was titled: 'What a mess! Dig up the nice paving stones in Dalton Road and patch it with tarmac'.

A spokesman from Westmorland and Furness Council has confirmed what the works are for.

"On Tuesday 19 March, Electricity North West Limited (ENWL) completed works to replace a link box in the pavement outside the Thomas Cook building on Dalton Road," said the spokesman.

"We will continue to work closely with ENWL to ensure that the temporary pavement is safe and that ENWL arrange to replace the temporary surface with flagstones in keeping with the area."

Facebook users slammed the infill as 'disgusting' 'dreadful' and a 'disgrace'.

One woman said: "This is absolutely disgusting. Businesses are not encouraged to come into our town when this is what care is given to it."

Another woman added: "They should be forced to put it back how they found it. Shameful council."

The Mail: A close up of the tarmac outside the former Thomas Cook branchOthers suggested, as the council confirmed, the tarmac may just be temporary as part of ongoing works.

One man said: "Has anybody thought that this might not be the permanent finish? Maybe it’s ongoing works and rather than people falling down a hole they have put temporary tarmac in it.

"Same as they did when working on the new Greggs cafe."

Another added: "Did the council dig it up or maybe it was a utility company, the council might not be aware and it may be temporary like last time, waiting for a stone specialist to lay them properly. Easy to blame the council for everything but it's not always their fault."