CALLS have been made for one of the new streets on a housing development in Barrow to be named after an accomplished local rower from the 1800's.

Ben Holme was inspired by the tale of Anthony Strong detailed in Alan Lockett's 'Morecambe Bay: a collection of short stories of Morecambe Bay, its characters, boatmen, yachts and mysteries'.

Now he wants the council to name of the roads on the Abbey Heights development to be a permanent legacy to him.

"Anthony Strong was known for his rowing prowess and navigating the Barrow channel on a regular basis," Mr Holme said.

"I think they should name a street after him for all his accomplishments as he was a successful rower back then.

"The book said that he came to the area at the age of three as his father worked on the first steamboat in Barrow.

"He should be recorded as a favoured Barrovian."

A spokesman for Oakmere Homes - the developers of Abbey Heights - said it is a council decision to issue the street names and they only get the option to name the development.

Speaking on the idea presented by the Barrow resident, Cllr Helen Wall, the mayor of Barrow, said: "I think that is a great idea.

"It would credit what he actually did.

MAYOR: Helen Wall

MAYOR: Helen Wall

"This is something where people in the town knew what he actually did but not many others from elsewhere do.

"I am not sure where the planning stage is up to with street names on the development but I think it sounds like a great idea."

Oakmere Homes started building in early 2020 at the Abbey Heights 142-house site next to Furness General Hospital at the corner of Dalton Lane, Abbey Road and Breast Mill Beck Road after being granted permission in May 2019 when Barrow Council's refusal was overruled by a planning inspector on appeal.

Many plots have already sold now.

The development includes a village green, three ornamental ponds, a network of paths, green spaces and a bus stop.