THE fight to attract European money to Preston is being stepped up a gear this week.

County council deputy leader Frank McKenna is preparing for a round of meetings with North West MPs, MEPs and European officials, as he helps launch a campaign to convince key decision-makers that Preston needs Euro cash to prevent a economic crisis.

County Coun McKenna said: "Preston has missed out on European grants in the past, but I believe we have a strong case to put before the European Commission this time around.

"Parts of the town, particularly Central Preston, suffer from higher than average levels of unemployment. For example 15.2 per cent of males in Avenham are jobless, while the figure in central ward is even higher at 17 per cent.

"Low paid, unskilled work still provides a major share of the local labour market.

"And the defence industry, into which many Prestonians are either directly or indirectly employed is expected to undergo a radical rationalisation in the new millennium, leading to serious job losses.

"But Preston can survive an economic down-turn, given the right support - which must include a fair share of European grant aid."

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