THE article Bus station ban lifted? (Citizen, March 22) was bad news for the town and in particular those who have campaigned to have the building "listed as being of architectural merit," bus users and those whose livelihood depends on the bus station as business owners and employees.

Anyone who looks at the extension of Ringway and its route past what is left of the old corn exchange, will realise it was not necessary to demolish the hall to make way for the road. It was just another act of municipal vandalism, perpetrated by people who lack of vision.

Since November Mark Hendrick, Preston's Labour MP, welcomed the decision of his New Labour Government colleague Chris Smith claiming "the attempt to list the bus station as a building of architectural merit, if it had been successful would have handcuffed the councillor and developer Grosvenor."

I suppose if you look at things in that bizarre way, the Harris museum, the Sessions House, Prince's buildings, The Post Office, the covered markets etc as listed buildings have all served to handcuff the developer.

What Mr Hendrick omitted to say is the grant of listed building status to the bus station, would have enabled Preston council to apply to English Heritage and the National Lottery Heritage fund for substantial grants to restore, maintain and enhance our bus station.

There is nothing as yet certain about the Grosvenor Estate proposals, the Duke of Westminster could change his mind at any time, if the economic outlook began to look less certain, as it does. Indeed what was being talked about as a £500m development, suddenly with the bus station decision has now become a £300m scheme.

There has been a display of widespread support for the retention of the bus station, with improved access, security and better facility.

The voters of Preston will have the opportunity to have their say on this issue if and when a general election is called.

Ray Johnson, Ribbleton, Preston.