Bus row campaigners vow to fight to death

Icon_article Published: April 15, 2010 12:23 by Disobey blog reposta |

Tagged as: culture social_struggles
Neighbourhoods: preston

Heritage campaigners have launched an appeal in a bid to spark a review into the decision not to register Preston Bus Station as a listed site.The 20th Century Society today insisted the fight to save the bus station is not over, and claimed the Secretary of State's decision was flawed.

Culture secretary Ben Bradshaw paved the way for the 41-year-old building to be demolished by saying it was not of sufficient architectural or historic interest to be protected.

The decision was welcomed by city leaders who said listing the bus station would affect the £700m Tithebarn regeneration plan.But the 20th Century Society's official challenge, submitted within appeal deadlines, says the decision contained factual and procedural errors.

Christina Malathouni, a case worker for the 20th Century Society, said: "We consider there was an irregularity in process to do with the Secretary of State saying he could take into account the way the building currently fulfils, or fails to fulfil, it's purpose."

The society argues it is an irrelevant point because such things could be improved.Members also believe the Secretary of State made a factual error by saying the separation of pedestrian and vehicle approaches was not realised at the station.

The society argues an English Heritage report, which was considered by the Culture Secretary, said two or three subways could not be more ideally situated.

Ms Malathouni said: "We are hopeful because we think these are key points and that is why there is the option of asking for a review."

Now the initial challenge forms have been submitted, the society will be asked to provide more in-depth information on its appeal.

Coun Ken Hudson said: "The current Secretary of State has made exactly the same decision as the previous Secretary of State. The safety of the public is paramount in our thinking and that bus station is unable to protect the public in the way it is designed."

A spokesman for the Department for Culture, Media and Sport said officers will review the society's case but added: "You can submit a review but the chances are a review will not happen unless there is evidence that there has been a problem with the process itself or significant new information comes to light."