PRESTON a city - wow! Who would have believed it?

Certainly nobody I know. Indeed, what is the criteria for a town to suddenly become elevated to a city status?

Granted, it's an old mill town with plenty of history and good road and rail access Other plus points are its people, industry and business enterprises as well as being the centre of local government, good shops and university too.

However, the town is such a dull and dreary area which contains an excess of pubs and larger drinking places (with more to come) -- which is quite extraordinary.

Furthermore, a town without a proper town hall is one thing, but a city without one is quite amazing.

The ring road -- which divides the town in two -- is quite ridiculous too.

Moreover, we have a bus station which is the best around. So what happens? Like our once beautiful old Town Hall the developers want it demolished -- crazy!

Even the housing stock in and around Preston is grotty. The one way system is another minus point with the road schemes totally unacceptable.

It really is up to each and every one of us to have our say on what we want, thus preventing another disaster and leaving future generations with a city to be proud of. A place we can really be delighted to call proud Preston.

Yes, let us make sure we combine what's left of the past by making sure the investment promised is used sensibly by the developers to provide a centre which brings pride to all Prestonians - but no more monstrosities please!

J Hunt, Name and address supplied.