A PROSPECTIVE Liberal Democrat candidate has made a scathing attack on Preston bus station for being dirty, unsafe and inaccessible to disabled people.

James MacGregor has launched his own charter for safety on the buses and is campaigning to have the town centre station improved. James said: "The council has been talking about getting CCTV for the station since 1987 to stop crime and vandalism.

"There is also a sign telling people not to cross the forecourts as it is an offence - but what if people are frightened of using the subways?

"There are homeless people sleeping rough in them and neither of the subways are a welcoming site for local people - let alone visitors to the town."

James has also listened to disabled people's views on the state of the station.

Criticisms included the doors being too heavy and stiff to open, too many steps and not enough security in the day and night.

He added: "There is only one security guard at the station who is always on hand when needed, but more security staff and police are needed.

"The toilets smell disgusting and there are virtually no facilities in the station for people to use.

"Instead of having an eyesore, why not spend some money on it and bring it up to standard to attract people back?"

John Harpin, Preston Borough Council's assistant director of technical services, said: "We have a scheme in place for CCTV cameras, in conjunction with the bus companies, and money has been allotted.

"We will start work on two bays which will allow low step buses to use the station, making it more accessible to the disabled."

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