HORRIFIED historians are calling on Preston Borough Council to preserve the town's historic courthouse, which could be transformed into a restaurant under plans to be announced this week.

Council chiefs have decided to let the prominent landmark go for a song, advertising it as an ideal place for a restaurant or leisure complex.

But historians fear part of the town's heritage could be lost for good if bargain-hunting businessmen are allowed to take control of the giant property.

They are demanding assurances that the Grade II listed building, which has staged many major court cases before the swish new court complex was built in Ringway, will not be turned into a giant takeaway.

Local history expert Marian Roberts said: "Many buildings have been lost in the past and the same must not happen here. We have to preserve our heritage and leave it intact.

"The court is a major part of our history and shouldn't be changed."

In adverts to be placed in national property magazines this weekend, Preston Borough Council invites bids for the lease of the building, which dates back to the late 1800s and covers 7,500 sq ft.

As an added incentive, would-be leaseholders are being offered the chance to bid for the prime spot at a peppercorn rate - a low cost, sometimes as little as just one pence.

Michelle Moores, of the council's property department, said: "We haven't set out any definite ideas as to what it will be used for but it does have planning permission for a restaurant-type facility.

"It is now a case of waiting for bids."

Despite the opening of the new court complex four years ago, the traditional courthouse, next door to the town hall, has continued to be used for court cases. Only last year, the man charged with murder of Bolton youngster Dillon Hull was convicted inside the old building, as were the youngsters who killed toddler Jamie Bulger in Merseyside.

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