More than 200 people object to supermarket plan

More than 200 people have objected to replacing a row of shops with a Tesco supermarket.

West Midlands-based LCP Property Investments said opening a Tesco Express in Lakes Parade in Hawcoat, Barrow, would "generate additional employment opportunities for local people".

Four businesses were given eviction notices in 2025 after plans were submitted for the supermarket to be built where six units currently stand.

In 209 signed letters sent to Westmorland and Furness Council, residents said the application "threatens to remove an accessible, valued and sustainable cluster of community-serving businesses".

The affected shops, which sit opposite Furness General Hospital and were previously given notice to leave by 19 December, are the salon Flair Hair Fashions, Grange Bakery, Lakes Parade Laundry and Dave New Tours.

The local post office will not be closed as part of the plans, which also include parking.

In the signed letter, residents raised concerns of increased parking pressures and that the proposal was "out of keeping with the existing character of Hawcoat".

Among other comments written to the Liberal Democrat-led council, one resident said the application would "destroy a number of locally run small, essential businesses" which were a "lifeline" to Hawcoat.

However, one resident wrote they were "completely in favour of the demolition of the run-down shops and replacing it with a national retailer that will offer fantastic services, competitive prices, open until late and create lots of jobs".

Another person believed the plans "looked really good" and would help resolve "an eyesore".

"We have to travel a large distance to get to a Tesco or Asda... this will help the older community," they added.

LCP Property Investments said while the application process was ongoing, it would not be appropriate for it to comment publicly on the proposals.

In documents supporting the plans, which are yet to be approved, the developers previously said the redevelopment would provide "long-term improvements to neighbourhood schemes" and create local jobs.

A decision on the plans is to be made by council officers at a later date.

Follow BBC Cumbria on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram and listen to Radio Cumbria on BBC Sounds.