A HISTORIAN has called for a battle against the bulldozers to save Preston's history before it is too late.

Paul Garlington, head of history at St Mary's Hall, Stonyhurst, hit out after reading last week's Citizen article about plans to build over Cromwell's battlefields (Page 3, Citizen, January 30).

Mr Garlington, a former resident of Barnacre Close, Fulwood, claims it's not the first time planners have ignored historic sites.

He said: "I don't think any due consideration has been given to the history. Preston has systematically cut it's history.

"Look at Carlisle which has been preserved. You need to look to the future."

The historian, who has lived in Preston for most of his life, said areas of the town affected included:

Friargate; One of the town centre's historical focal points was cut in half and now has the ring road running through it.

Fulwood; Mr Garlington believes that his old house on Barnacre Close was built on the site of the old Broughton Tower which has now disappeared from maps and lies forgotten.

Town Hall; Original hall damaged by fire but whole structure was pulled down and replaced by an office block.

Mr Garlington said: "History is for all of us to enjoy. I'm sorry it's getting to the stage where there's not much left to look at. What's next. Are they going to pull down the old railway station?"

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