Hundreds of people in Barrow have signed a petition calling for the Government to let football fans back into stadiums.

Across the UK, almost 200,000 fans have backed the idea, forcing a Parliamentary debate to take place on the issue in the coming weeks.

At the last count 477 people in Barrow's parliamentary constituency had signed the petition – among more than 25,000 from across the North West.

The petition on Parliament’s website has gathered 197,000 signatures already, meaning MPs in Westminster will have to debate the matter – now confirmed for November 9.

Petition creator Ashley Greenwood said football is a "powerful tool" that brings a range of economic and social benefits.

He added: "Football can be associated with passion, emotion, excitement and dedication across the community.

"I ask for the support of this petition as I fear that smaller clubs in particular will go out of business leading to a devastating effect on people."

Culture Secretary Oliver Dowden admits there is a growing sense of frustration at the ban on live crowds at sporting events, but insists there can be no change until the spread of coronavirus is curbed.

Speaking at the Digital, Culture, Media and Sport committee, Mr Dowden said he desperately wanted to have socially-distanced spectators in grounds from October 1.

He added: "But there is very clear evidence from the scientific community that at this stage of the disease, with rapidly rising infections, we should be imposing restrictions – which we are – not further easements.

“We are doing things that are positively hateful, but the reason we are doing it is to secure public safety.”