A new app aimed at boosting the 'economic and social prosperity' of Barrow has launched.

The Barrow Buzz App is now live and available to download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Barrow Business Improvement District has partnered with Loqiva to launch 'Barrow Buzz' - a digital town hub designed to manage and support local residents and businesses, improve engagement within the community and gain insights about town centre activity. 

READ MORE: Barrow BID open entries for annual Festival of Transport

The app will provide technology to support all stakeholders in the town, including the ultimate town app for Barrow residents and visitors, powerful marketing tools and analytics for the businesses and a digital headquarters for the BID. 

Barrow residents will be able to download the Barrow Buzz app onto their smartphones and can find out about news, information, events, offers, maps, tours and trails, and mobility information.

In addition, they will be able to shop locally, report issues, answer surveys and receive personalised content based on the weather, their location and their interests.

Paul Hodgson, manager at Barrow BID, said: "As a BID, we have set out our strategy for the town under four distinct categories. 

"We aim to create a Better Brand and Promotion, Busier Shops and Services, Brighter Streets and Buildings, and Boost the Evening Economy. 

"The digital town hub feeds into all of these goals, and brings us a level of digital infrastructure that will support Barrow for many years into the future. 

"The initial feedback during testing of the platform has been extremely positive and we are really excited to fully launch the app to our town."

Jason Forsyth, communications and marketing officer at Barrow BID, drew particular attention to the digital town hub’s ability to promote events: 

"We have some brilliant events in Barrow, like Dino Day, Festival of Transport and the much-loved Soapbox Derby," he said.

"These occasions drive footfall into our town centre which is great for the local economy. 

"We’re looking forward to marketing them to our residents and visitors through the app, as well as highlighting the many local events such as live music, comedy and talks which are held in our venues all year round."

While initially aimed at town centre businesses, its reach is expected to be increased to become town wide in the coming months. 

Any town centre businesses wishing to join the platform for free should email marketing@barrowbid.co.uk.