RESIDENTS are being warned to remain indoors and not 'line the streets' as Audacious prepares to leave Barrow. 

Boat 4 is today making its way from Devonshire Dock towards Walney Channel ahead of leaving the town on Monday to go on sea trials.

When a sub leaves the town the docks and parts of Rampside, Roa Island and Walney are typically packed with well-wishers.

However, due to the coronavirus lockdown, residents are being told to stay inside or risk a fixed penalty.

Under the new law only essential travel is permitted and gatherings of more than two people are banned. 

Barrow Borough Councillor Bill McEwan is urging residents to 'obey the law' and stay inside.

He said: "Now is not the time to be lining the streets and attending events. 

"We've got to follow government advice, protect ourselves and other people and stay inside. 

"The NHS are working incredibly hard at the moment and we can't be parading the streets and making things even harder for them.

"I know this is something which parents usually bring their kids to because it's such a spectacle but it's more important than ever for people to stay inside."

Audacious was launched in 2017 and is due to be handed over to the Royal Navy next year. The £1.4bn sub is the fourth of seven Astute-class boats.