THERE were dramatic scenes in 1972 as a popular Barrow entertainment venue had to be evacuated as flames tore through the building.

The Mail, on Saturday, October 14, noted: "More than 200 dancers, tenpin bowling enthusiasts and a pop group last night escaped a fire that raged through £50,000 worth of machinery and the roof of the Barrow Bowl entertainments centre in the Strand, Barrow."

Three people were hurt in the incident, which was started when an electrical fault started a fire in a chair and cushion in a room used by maintenance staff.

The Mail said: "Six machines from Barrow Fire Brigade and neighbouring units at Dalton and Ulverston fought the blaze, which left a big gap in the roof and has put an end to tenpin bowling in the town for some time."

The blaze severely damaged a group of 10 pin setting machines — valued at £5,000 each.

The alarm was raised by mechanic Jeff Hartle, who used a fire extinguisher on the blaze until it spread to the walls and the heat drove him back.

Mr Hartle, of Newport Street, Barrow, was near the bar with a friend when he saw smoke from the office.

He said: "When I investigated, one of the seats in the office was on fire and Ray and I grabbed a blazing cushion and took it outside.

"When I returned to the office all the seats were on fire and then everything seemed to go up in smoke and flames."

Assistant manager Bill Walker said: "I grabbed a fire extinguisher when I saw some woodwork was burning.

"I was soon overcome by smoke and had to retreat."

Julie Beck had been playing when the fire broke out and said eight of the 10 bowling lanes were in use.

Everyone ran for the doors and she cut her ankle on broken glass.