EX-COUNCIL leader Harold Parker has blasted Preston's borough authority for showing a lack of vision in promoting the town.

The prominent politician took his vicious swipe at the council's bigwigs during last week's planning meeting.

He accused council bosses of depriving the town of the promotion it deserves by leaving no scope for it in the town hall's budget.

And he pointed to past failures - including the lack of progress towards improving Preston's historic market and the lack of stores moving into prime retail sites - as perfect examples.

He said: "When I was leader we always made sure room was made for promotion and advertising in the budget, but that isn't the case now.

"Where is the dynamic marketeer for the town's leading buildings? Look what is happening to the market.

"In short, there is no promotion of the town."

Coun Parker's comments stunned the planning meeting into silence, and come at a critical time as the town attempts to bid for City Status in the year 2000.

He is the second councillor to take a swipe at the way Preston is projected. Earlier this year Coun Albert Richardson accused Prestonians of having no pride, as he complained about litter on the streets. Coun Parker added: "The town hall looks after its staff but there is no proper marketing going on to attract people here.

"It is so important in this day and age for us to employ people who can project the town's image."

Chief Executive Jim Carr commented: "It is not council policy to comment on councillors' statements."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.