Barrow Town Council Supports National Grooming Gang enquiry

THEY’RE URGING LOCAL AUTHORITIES, THE TOWNS MP AND CUMBRIA POLICE TO SUPPORT THE INVESTIGATION!
Barrow Town Council has passed a motion in support of the national statutory inquiry into grooming gangs, urging local authorities, the town’s MP, and Cumbria Police to back the investigation.
The council met on November 18th and agreed to write to the independent commission overseeing the inquiry, offering its full support. The motion also recognised that Barrow has been affected by organised grooming gangs and emphasised that local victims deserve truth, accountability, and justice. It further acknowledged the courage of whistle-blowers and survivors campaigning for the inquiry.
Council leader Andy Coles, speaking as a survivor himself, described group-based child sexual exploitation as ‘one of the most horrific crimes imaginable’, highlighting the devastating impact on children, some as young as 10. He said:
‘These crimes cause the most profound harm to victims and survivors throughout their lives. Those responsible, and the authorities who repeatedly failed to protect children, have left a lasting stain on our society’.
Coles added that the voices of survivors must be central to the inquiry, which should carefully consider evidence, data, and referrals from local agencies, victims, and the public. He urged that the commission be allowed to begin its work as quickly as possible.
The Barrow branches of both the Conservative Party and Reform UK have been contacted for comment.