Why it's not a fair match!

Chester's historic buildings and boating on the River Dee, adds something to the shopping experience there, making it more of a day out atmosphere.

However, if one stands at the bottom of Glover's Court in Preston, you are as close to the River Ribble as you are to the Central Bus Station, because the Ribble curves north as it passes the town centre. The old Tram Way bridge is located at the top of that river curve.

In times when Preston was run by its notable citizens, wealthy manufacturers, merchants and benefactors, they knew what they were doing. The part of the town lying south of Fishergate was laid out in a grand style, to take advantage of the river as a principle feature of the town.

Imagine what could be done today, if Cannon Street, Glovers Court, Avenham Street, Bolton's Court, Stoneygate, Syke Street, Cross Street, Chaddock Street, Glover Street, Avenham Lane, Berwick Road etc were to be redeveloped to take the town centre down to the river. From the Miller Arcade to Miller Park a breathtaking potential development.

There is a real opportunity here, to give Preston something to be proud. An opportunity to reverse decades of neglect and decline, an opportunity to rebuild around the towns historic built environment, to make the most of what is best in Preston.

This should be Preston's first development priority to give Preston a unique attraction, to bring the Ribble to the fore of life in the town.

There are many historic buildings that could be enhanced and incorporated to give the development historic character. The Bull & Royal and Park Hotels could be brought back into use, Booth's Caf reopened, Winckley Square pedestrianised, Avenham and Miller Parks opened up to encourage use and justify investment.

It's amazing how water can attract people and investment, just look at the docks. I was one of the people involved in the decision making that made that redevelopment possible.

Ray Johnson,

Ribbleton,

Preston