A Preston Councillor was interviewed on Friday’s BBC North West Tonight. The gist of his statement was that the council could not afford to refurbish and keep open Preston Bus Station while it was under pressure on budgets for front line services.
This is the opposite to what he should have said. In times of hardship it is the duty of the council to think beyond the short term and protect the long term resources of Preston. If we destroy significant buildings to pay for a bit of short term difficulty there will be nothing of merit left. Good things always cost more than poor things.
To destroy infrastructure to pay for services is like knocking down your house to pay for heating. Soon there will be nothing to heat. We are often told that infrastructure comes from a different budget to front line services, however, it seems when it suits them it doesn’t.
Another factor is what interest rates can local authorities borrow at, and what grants are available to maintain such buildings. Blackpool Council purchased the Tower and Winter Gardens using the argument that a local authority can borrow much more cheaply than a company. The Tower is operated by Merlin Entertainments who pay the council. Perhaps no-one is interested in operating a bus station and car park but what options have the council considered?
It seems that this is a very serious decision by the council and the public should be advised how the decision was made and what the options are. In Winckley Square the council proposed swinging letters, searchlights and a totem pole, this doesn’t inspire confidence that this decision is wise.