NEARLY half of people in Barrow have received their first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, figures reveal. NHS data shows 25,119 people had received a vaccine jab by March 7 – equating to 45 per cent of those aged 16 and over, according to the latest population estimates from the Office for National Statistics. Of those vaccinated, 16,561 were aged 60 or over – 88 per cent of the age group. It means 8,558 people aged between 16 and 59 have received a first dose of the vaccine. The data also reveals variation in coverage between different areas across Barrow. The proportion of residents prioritised for vaccinations, such as those aged over 60, is one factor that could affect vaccine coverage.
Dalton Leisure Centre receives £26,000 from the National Leisure Recovery Fund
Ann Thomson
Grant funding has been secured to support the reopening of a south Cumbria leisure centre once COVID-19 restrictions are lifted.
Dalton Leisure Centre – an independent, trustee-run centre in Chapel Street, Dalton – will receive £26,000 to ensure it can continue to offer sports and leisure services to visitors as soon as it is safe to do so.
The award was made from the National Leisure Recovery Fund after Barrow Borough Council submitted an application to the fund in December.
âSupporting sport and leisure is very important to us as a council so news of this funding award is extremely welcome,” explained Ann Thomson, the leader of Barrow Borough Council.
TRIBUTES have poured in from councillors and readers following the shock announcement that a woman was found dead in Barrow. The body of a 34-year-old woman was reported deceased in the Abbot s Wood area over the weekend. Derek Gawne, who represents Roosecote at Barrow Borough Council, was devastated by the news and is feeling for the family involved. He said:“It is absolutely shocking news. “Obviously, all the circumstances will come out in the inquest, but it is just terrible what has happened. “It will be awful for the family at the moment and they are the people I feel for.
COUNCILLORS said they were concerned about their own wellbeing during a debate into modern slavery. Representatives on Barrow Borough Council asked if they could be classed as potentially vulnerable themselves when carrying out their duties. The question was raised by Cllr Ann Thomson, leader of the council, during the review into safeguarding adults and modern slavery. She said: “I wonder whether the council needs a safeguarding lead for councillors as well as staff? “Can we incorporate a new policy within our own councillors groups, as I know on the planning committees we get ‘a lot of abuse’ and a lot of hassle, and I sometimes worry about the health of some of the planning members?