PRESTON MP Audrey Wise has given her backing to a campaign to fight the proposed park and ride scheme in Walton-le-Dale this week.

The forthright environmentalist attended a meeting on Thursday last week (November 20) at the Haven on Higher Walton Road, Preston, to encourage residents to fight the plan.

Like many of those present, she said she agreed with the concept but regarded the location at the Capitol Centre as unsuitable for the project.

"The park and ride will cause more problems than it will solve," she said: "There's a need for getting the through traffic away out of the town.

"The park and ride seems to be in a completely inappropriate place. It will cost a lot of money, create a lot of difficulties, and we will still have as much through traffic as ever."

Several alternative sites were suggested including the old gas works in Leyland Road, or near the new motorway exit.

County Councillor Graham Davies took the flak on behalf of planners but insisted the scheme was in the best interests of people living between the river and London Way. He said it would divert 900 cars every day from the road in front of their homes. But only three of the 50-strong crowd said they approved the scheme.

Coun Davies said the park and ride would provide money to pay for a right turn from London Way into Higher Walton Road, thus saving many drivers the long haul round Hennel Lane to get home from the Capitol Centre.

Inspector Mike McGarry said he believed the scheme was in the right right place but added: "The county council thinks it can just phase the traffic lights at the Capitol Centre to alleviate it. I don't think that will work."

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