MEMBERS of the public have just one week to have their say on the redevelopment of the Tithebarn Regeneration Area.

The initial five-week consultation period comes to a close on August 22 when all the ideas put forward will be collated and used to build a framework for Grosvenor, the developers, to work within.

So far the guidelines include a bus station facility to be located within the Tithebarn area, which stretches from Church Street in the east, along the length of the Ring Road as far as Friargate.

There are also plans to regenerate the markets and the Guild Hall, improve access to the town, and design buildings, streets and open spaces in order to make the best use of Preston's current attractions.

Work on the multi-million pound development, which is expected to create up to 5,000 new jobs, is due to start in 2004, so the council has nearly three years in which to come up with its final plan.

A spokesperson for Preston Borough Council said: "Consultation on these guidelines is important, as once agreed they will form the framework for developers to come forward with a masterplan indicating actual proposals and options."

Councillor Ron Atkins, chairman of the council's planning committee said: "It is vital people give us their views as it is only through consultation that we can shape the framework and achieve the best redevelopment for the town."

The next stage is for a report to go to the planning committee along with all the comments people have made.

One of the most contentious issues of the whole project is the bus station.

The arts minister Baroness Blackstone is currently considering whether to make it a listed building, and her decision, due in the next few weeks, will undoubtedly affect whether the historic building is demolished to make way for a new one.

Coun Atkins said: "It is only at this next stage that the future of the bus station or redevelopment of the market will be considered."

And a spokesman for Grosvenor said that if the bus station were to be listed, it would certainly slow things down and cost more money but the redevelopment would still go ahead.

Comments can be registered on line, by emailing planningdept@preston.gov.uk

Alternatively people can call 01772-906721, or write to the Planning Services, Lancastria House, Lancaster Road, Preston.