Page 248 - Minutes of meeting

Thematic SWOT – Connectivity

Five Defining...Strengths Five Defining...Weaknesses

1. Proximity of Barrow to a deep water port 1. Peripherality of Barrow, with a drive time of almost an hour to reach
the M6
2. Serviced by two rail lines including the Furness Line to Manchester
Airport and connections to WCML at Lancaster, in addition to the 2. Poor rail connectivity, with a limited number of services and slow
Cumbrian Coastal railway speeds given lack of electrification

3. Walney Airfield, owned and operated by BAE Systems 3. Distance from nearby cities detracts from Barrow’s ability to
strengthen economic links and secure trickle down benefits
4. Active travel patterns by the local workforce supporting sustainability
and well-being 4. Limited access to Full Fibre broadband

5. Favourable broadband connectivity 5. Average 4G mobile coverage although this is an improving picture

Five Defining...Opportunities Five Defining...Threats
1. Enhanced place proposition to drive growth through proximity to the 1. The environmental impact of transport on air pollution and C02
LDNP and rich heritage and environmental offer emissions

2. Local transport investments will deliver greater reliability and resilience 2. The resilience and reliability of road networks into Barrow undermine
to support economic growth and create jobs the ability of the town to secure inward investment
3. The Port of Barrow Strategic Masterplan will facilitate growth in the 3. Digital infrastructure needs to keep pace to maintain Barrow’s
advanced manufacturing and energy sector competitiveness

4. Active travel investment will support health and well-being objectives 4. Infrastructure constraints will impact on Barrow’s ability to secure
investment and enable equitable access to economic opportunities
5. Electrification of the transport system will lower operating costs and
mitigate environmental impacts 5. Deficient transport systems can contribute to missed opportunities, a
lower quality of life, and increased costs for business undermining
competitiveness

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