A MINOR accident blocked one of the main routes into Preston causing thousands of people to be late for work, everyone was talking about it -- they still are.

But ask people if they want 2,000 new parking spaces in the town centre, ask them if they want to see the town's bus station demolished, ask them if they want two new department stores, offices and 200 new homes, and no one has anything to say.

Well, that's if the response to the council's five-week consultation plan on the Tithebarn Regeneration Area project is anything to go by.

People had until Saturday, August 18, to give their views on what developers, Grosvenor Estates, should do to our town centre, between the Ring Road, Church Street, and Lancaster Road.

In all that time, just 22 people and 22 stakeholders bothered to reply despite a massive advertising campaign run by the council, which did their utmost to give people as many simple ways of responding as possible.

So what's going on? Does no one care if our public transport system is turned upside down? Are we happy to see the Bus Station pulled down without even knowing what's going to replace it?

The Citizen has spoken to some of the town's leading politicians and civic dignitaries who expressed regret at the lack of public response to the plans.

Mayor of Preston, Councillor Alan Hackett, said: "I'm disappointed but I think this is a great opportunity. With a proposal of this magnitude it may take longer than we thought.

"But it's important to get it right than get it rushed."

Jim Carr, the council's clerk and chief executive, blamed the lack of response on the format of the information. "As the detailed documents were quite technical, I am not surprised by the low response," he said.

While the town's MP Mark Hendrick believes the lack of response shows people are "reasonably happy" with the plans. "I think opinion is fully positive," the Labour MP said.

For the next stage of the council's consultation exercise -- expected some time next year -- residents and interested parties will be given access to easy-to-read details of the plan, including artists' impressions showing where buildings will be located.

According to Phil Davies, the council's assistant director of planning, it is crucial for the public to get behind the council if it is to achieve its goal of embracing the public's views. "Overall, the number of representations received was very disappointing. The very small number of responses from the public constitutes a tiny proportion of those who live, work, or shop in the town centre, and it would not be wise to gauge public opinion on the basis of these responses alone," he said.

And he said it was essential that the next stage elicits a greater response.

News of the lack of public interest in this scheme comes as a £75,000 campaign to bring investment to the town is launched.

The scheme, set up by Preston Borough Council and English Partnerships (EP), aims to promote the town as the place to do business.

Funded by EP, it aims to show that Preston's economy, communication links and extensive site availability make the area ideal for new investment and expansion.

Councillor Veronica Afrin, executive member for regeneration, community and leisure services said: "We welcome this campaign and are very grateful to English Partnerships for their support.

"Preston has all the attributes for business success and this campaign is a key part of our plans to attract further investment and jobs into the town. The campaign backs up our bid for City status - as a successful business base is key to City success. It also meets the strategic aims of Lancashire West Partnership for the sub-region."

David Carr, area director, Project (North) for English Partnerships said: "English Partnerships is delighted to invest and support Preston.

"We have prime sites with great transport links that are ideal business locations for both start-up and expansion purposes. Preston is a focal point within the North West Region and the area is an excellent place to invest."