A unique bus station is facing the axe to make way for a shopping development that would put Preston on a par with its big city rivals of Manchester and Liverpool.

But Lancashire Evening Post readers voted to save their station when faced with a straight choice of getting the building listed to protect it – or pulling it down.

They joined a debate which has been raging in the town ever since proposals for the new development were published in the paper.

Fifty-seven per cent of those who took part in Post’s phone poll backed Arts Minister Alan Howarth’s call for the controversial depot to be given listed building status.

This was despite being told that listing the bus station and multi-storey car park could jeopardise development. Preston Council bosses fear the heritage plan might undermine the town centre’s £500m regeneration.

The station’s unusual curved design is unique in Britain and the 1969 building is one of the largest of its kind in Europe. Supporters claim it is a ground-breaking piece of modern architecture and post-war planning

But those who hate it say it is a concrete monstrosity, on the wrong side of the town and too far from the railway station.

Chief reporter Stuart Draper wrote in his page one article on the vote: “There were 960 votes in favour and 701 against. Our hotline was busy all day.

“The split reflects the furious debate which has taken place in the Evening Post’s letters column ever since the proposal was made last month.”

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