ONCE more Preston Borough Council is to make a bid for 'city status'.

Many of Britain's cities straddle a river, the development of cities along natural waterways occurred for obvious reasons, a ready made transport route, a gateway to the sea, a supply of water etc.

Preston has developed around its river, both north and south of the Ribble.

South Ribble is historically and economically bound to Preston. It provided Preston Guild Mayors in times past, it provided the land to accommodate overspill from Preston. Parts of South Ribble are closer to the centre of Preston than some parts of Preston itself.

Until 1974, much of what is now South Ribble was administered by Preston Rural District Council, from offices in Guildhall Street. With the abolition of the Metropolitan Councils, most of Britain's cities are run by a number of District Councils, co-operating on city wide issues when they need to.

A 'City of Preston' bid, based on Preston and South Ribble would provide a stronger case, a bigger population and a bigger area. Indeed one of the largest urban conurbations in England not enjoying city status at this time.

What other applicant for city status could offer three prisons, an army barracks, a county hall, two town halls, a county police headquarters, a university and a history of royal privileges granted to its in and out Burgesses in the area stretching back to the twelfth century?

If asked, most people in South Ribble would describe themselves as 'Prestonians'.

Indeed, the letter from Citizen reader John Coxhead of Leyland, on Thursday, August 9, illustrated how South Ribble residents associate themselves with Preston issues, sharing the concerns and aspirations of Preston people.

It has often been said Preston would have qualified long ago, if the town had a cathedral. However, in today's multicultural town, some would say Preston has the equivalent of a cathedral in the new Hindu temple off Fishergate. The Hindu holymen who make regular visits to that temple are considered by Hindus to be the equivalent of Bishops within the Christian religions.

City status for Preston and South Ribble could open a new era of opportunity, the possibility of attracting grants and investments not available to smaller conurbations.

Working together in a City Partnership, Preston and South Ribble could at last make something out of its river corridor. From Brockholes Brow to Riversway, both sides of the Ribble could provide something very special for the city of Preston, an opportunity to create amenity, leisure and recreation facilities that would benefit residents north and south of the Ribble and provide a focus for the development of tourism in the city.

Ray Johnson, Ribbleton, Preston.