A £1.5 million a year investment has been confirmed to strengthen fire and rescue capability in Barrow-in-Furness as part of the Government’s wider investment in Britain’s defence and national resilience.
The annual funding recognises Barrow’s growing strategic importance at the heart of the UK’s nuclear submarine programme and follows months of joint work by Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner David Allen, Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and Barrow and Furness MP Michelle Scrogham to secure long-term Government investment.
Drawing on detailed operational evidence prepared by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, the case demonstrated that Barrow’s expanding defence and industrial role requires enhanced fire and rescue capability to protect local communities, the workforce and nationally significant infrastructure.
The investment will strengthen operational resilience, support the creation of new jobs within Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service and ensure emergency services are equipped to meet the demands of Barrow’s expanding strategic role.
David Allen, Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, said:
“This is a major vote of confidence in Barrow and recognition that, as the area becomes increasingly central to Britain’s defence, our emergency services must be strengthened alongside it.
“I have always been clear that local taxpayers should not be expected to shoulder the cost of protecting nationally significant defence infrastructure. As Government asks more of Barrow, it is only right that Government invests in the services that keep people safe.
“I’m delighted ministers have recognised the compelling operational case developed by Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service, working closely with Michelle Scrogham MP and myself. This £1.5 million a year investment will strengthen the Service’s resilience, create new jobs, support our firefighters and ensure Barrow has the fire and rescue capability needed for the future.”
Michelle Scrogham MP said:
“This is a hugely significant investment for Barrow and Furness and a clear demonstration that the Government is backing our town’s future.
“I’m proud to have worked alongside David Allen and Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service to make the case for this funding. This £1.5 million a year investment will strengthen our emergency services, create new jobs and support one of the UK’s most important defence communities.”
Chief Fire Officer Ben Ryder said:
“This annual investment is transformational for Cumbria Fire and Rescue Service.
“It will enhance our operational resilience, improve firefighter safety, create new employment opportunities and strengthen our ability to respond to major incidents. It reflects the evidence we have presented over many months and ensures the Service has the capability needed to meet the demands of Barrow’s growing strategic role.
“Having this sustained investment gives us the confidence to plan for the future, invest in our workforce and continue providing the high standard of protection that the people of Barrow and Cumbria deserve.”
The £1.5 million annual investment will strengthen fire and rescue capability in Barrow by improving operational resilience, creating new jobs, supporting frontline response and increasing the Service’s capacity to protect local communities, the workforce and nationally significant infrastructure for years to come.