THE proposed site for Preston's new bus station has been slammed by planning experts at county hall who fear it will discourage people from using public transport.

As part of the Tithebarn development, set to transform the city, Preston City Council and the developers have suggested moving the bus station to a new site close to its current location.

But in a report by the county council, officials reveal they have fears about the proposal.

The document, by the authority's transport working group, says: "The environment director has major concerns about the proposed location, which is considered to marginalise public transport and which will not assist the county council's objective to encourage greater use of public transport."

The report will be presented to a county council committee on Thursday (May 29). Concerns are that the new site would be too small and an alternative on the site of Avenham Street car park, near Winckley Square, has been suggested.

The report states: "In addition, and following discussions with major bus operators, the size of the bus station proposed by the developers is considered to be operationally inadequate."

But a county council spokesman said: "This is one of a number of sites the county council has looked at with the city council recently.

"The regeneration of Preston presents an excellent opportunity and it is important that all the options are investigated now so the city gets the best in the way of public transport facilities.

"Both councils are keen to find a suitable central location for a major bus interchange that will form the centrepiece of a modern public transport system and help the regeneration of the city."

Mike Brogan, Tithebarn project manager for the city council, said: "Bus and public transport is an important part of the Tithebarn regeneration and we are working with the county council to look at various options for a new bus station.

"We want a new state-of-the-art bus station for Preston but we need to make sure that any proposals are workable, affordable and raise the profile of public transport in the city centre."