Newbarns Ward Community Hub is working towards securing a grant that will go towards improving green spaces in the area.

A group of local residents are collaborating with their ward councillor to ensure everyone’s voices are heard in council matters and that the issues raised are dealt with.

They are applying for ‘Brighten Our Corner’ cash which is a series of mini funds made available through Barrow Town Council.

With £2,000 available to every ward in the borough to be spent on improving community areas, Newbarns hopes to put the funds towards its green spaces.

The group has discussed planting bulbs and trees, installing bat and bird boxes, growing hedges and wildflowers as well as putting up information boards detailing the wildlife living in specific areas of the ward.

They are working with Caitlin Fox, the Pollination Conservation Officer for Cumbria Wildlife Trust, as well as the Community Development Officer Emma Broadbent and two councillors from Barrow Town and Westmorland and Furness council.

Lesley Millachip is one of the residents working on the project.

She said: “We are looking at which options would be best to improve the area for local residents and wildlife but which the council can commit to maintaining.

“We are initially reviewing current grassed areas where there is less diversity, to see what can be done to add value for wildlife and residents.

 “We are really lucky in our ward and most areas have green spaces very close.  We are looking to enhance what we already have. 

“I love the daffodils down Abbey Road and if we could increase things like that it will benefit residents and wildlife.”