The area between Barrow and the Esk faces several significant challenges. A traffic-free transport route would provide opportunities to address these issues.
Challenges
• Indicators of health and well-being in our areas are amongst the lowest in the country. These include low levels of activity, growing levels of obesity, and other health issues which could be addressed by providing for healthier lifestyles.
• The geography of our area means that residents who cannot afford or use a car can be isolated from their community and services.
• Underdeveloped road infrastructure which struggles with the current traffic demands creates a challenging environment for cyclists, pedestrians, equestrians and others not in cars using our roads
• An ageing population and fewer younger people wishing to make their futures in this area are leading to some of the most marked demographic changes in this country. Without active intervention this can lead to unsustainable communities.
Opportunities
• There is substantial government and other funding available for communities seeking to improve health and well-being through projects delivering opportunities for physical activity outdoors.
• There is a significant gap in the national cycle network between Barrow (Bay Way, NCN700 and Walney to Wear cycleways, NCN70) and Ravenglass (Hadrian’s cycleway, NCN 72). Connection of these hubs would provide substantial economic opportunities for the local economy.
• Large scale employers (BAE, Sellafield) are actively seeking to reduce traffic volumes and promote healthy lifestyles.
• Environmental stewardship underpins new opportunities within HM Government funding priorities. This presents new ways of funding projects that benefit the environment and deliver significant community benefits.
• The corridor for the Barrow to Esk route is in the vicinity of or within the Lake District National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Growing the visitor economy is a key opportunity for local economic growth.
• With the Cumbria coastal railway the Barrow to Esk route could provide many opportunities to combine both rail and traffic-free travel.
• There are new investments such as the Iron Line (Millom and Haverigg) and the new Silecroft Café that the route could open for all to enjoy.
