CHURCH Street and much of the adjoining area of the town centre has been in decline for the past 50 years.

Slum clearance reduced the population living close to the eastern side of the town centre.

People who lived in the streets off Park Road, Ribbleton Lane, New Hall Lane and London Road, walked into the town centre shopping as they went, along what was a prosperous Church Street.

Church Street is now, and will remain, outside Preston's main retail core -- so what can one do with it?

Leisure, would seem to be the obvious answer. Although some planners would disagree, leisure and shopping are not a good mix.

Town centre shopping will have to change to compete with out of town centres, opening seven days-a-week for longer hours will become the norm, rather than the exception for town centre retailers. Shoppers don't like mixing with inebriated revellers and there can be problems for retail operators.

So why not create something worthwhile for Preston people and visitors to the town, an 'inland resort' in that area bounded by St John's place/Church St/Stanley St/Queen's St/Avenham Lane. After all, Preston people do like a good time and have more time than ever before to devote to leisure pursuits.

A leisure pool in a 'Sandcastle' type environment, a children's supervised play centre, multiplex cinema, bowling alley, ice and roller skating rinks, a multi purpose track that could be used for greyhound, go cart and stock car racing, pavement cafe's, coffee houses, bars, restaurants, clubs and a casino.

Leisure shopping with gift shops and galleries. Accommodation for specialist leisure interests. An area with gardens and water features serviced by a miniature railway to transport people around the resort.

Parking for thousands of cars could be provided on top or below the various developments, it could be self-contained with controlled access and its own security to ensure orderly behaviour and a safe family environment.

Regeneration is much about finding new uses for old areas.

Ray Johnson, Ribbleton