PENSIONERS in Leyland are calling on Prince Charles to help restore Southern Towngate to its former glory.

Leyland residents Joy Mills, Betty Lancaster and Renee Dolan, are determined to put Leyland back on the map as the 'Garden of Lancashire'.

They have circulated a petition across the town and plan to deliver it to the Prince who is renowned for his interest in Britain's heritage.

Joy, who has lived in Leyland for 30 years, said: "Southern Towngate is an absolute mess. Leyland used to be such a lovely town with shops on both side of Towngate. But now it's an eye-sore and something needs to be done soon."

The women launched their fight to save 'grot spot' Southern Towngate following the removal of the old market to a new location off Hough Lane in the town centre.

They say the once-popular area now resembles a war zone with the hustle and bustle of shoppers replaced by derelict or flattened buildings and deserted streets.

Now they fear the multi-million pound Tesco development, planned for Southern Towngate, could threaten historic Tudor House, on the corner of Towngate and Fox Lane.

Leyland-born Betty said: "I recall the time when Southern Towngate had a bank, the old Public Hall and the Masonic Hall. One time there was the Regent cinema, where Kwik Save is and the Palace cinema where the Bingo Hall was in East Street.

"With all the buildings pulled down there's derelict land everywhere in Towngate and if you go inside Tudor House you can see all the way up through the three storeys.

"Once Tesco comes they may decide to pull Tudor House down."

Joy added: "Although the other end of Leyland has been built up, with McDonalds and so on, there is nothing in Southern Towngate for the old pensioners in Fox Lane except the Health Shop.

"The council have got to put some investment in now. Everyone we speak to is behind us and all agree that something needs to be done."

South Ribble council leader Gina Lewis said: "We do appreciate there is a problem and people are without shops in Southern Towngate, but Tesco is coming.

"Tudor House is in Tesco's ownership and is going to be refurbished. I have also received a letter from the National Market Traders applauding the council's decision to move the market.

"My husband, councillor Dennis Lewis, wrote to people in the Towngate area asking if they required Dial-a-Ride to take them to the shops and he received one reply."

Copies of the women's petition can be found at the Eagle and Child pub, in Church Road, the Wagon and Horses pub, in Bent Lane, Bent Lane Post Office and the Health Shop, in Towngate.