Preston Lib Dems have slammed Labour’s announcement to demolish the bus station and move the market as spineless.

Leader of the Preston Lib Dems, Cllr Bill Shannon, explained, “Before the election Lib Dems put forward an alternative budget proposal to sort out the Councils finances. We made it clear this would involve demolishing the bus station because the Council cannot afford the £5m repair bill. Labour voted against this and criticised us for it.

Now, after the elections they have approved the vision prospectus. This states, “Approved capacity for transformational development in the …bus station area of the city centre”. If this does not mean demolition of the bus station, then Labour need to explain what it does mean. They know what they must do, but cannot bring themselves to say so out load. It is a spineless act – unwilling to go to the electorate with the difficult decisions required for the City.”

County Councillor Mark Jewell added, “Whilst we agree with the vision prospectus, we would go further and offer the Guild Hall for sale after this years Guild Celebrations.

These measures would have secured the long term future of the Leisure Centres, retained our Community Support Officers and helped us balance the books within 5 years. By delaying this decision until after the elections 12 PCSO s have lost their jobs needlessly.

Labour have done too little too late, playing politics with Preston’s future based on their spineless acts.”