Sponsored by
Blackpool in head-to-head with Preston
IT'S war! Blackpool has gone face-to-face with shopping rivals Preston over the city's controversial Tithebarn project.
Today, council leader Peter Callow accused Preston's council chiefs of stealing the town's shoppers after the 700m scheme was given the go-ahead.
And Preston City Council's leader Coun Ken Hudson has hit back, accusing Blackpool of having a "small town mentality".
The 37-acre shopping mecca will revamp the city's ageing shopping centre and bring millions of pounds of investment to Preston.
But Blackpool Council is seething over the plans just a year after the resort's retail revival began.
Blackpool Council's chief executive Steve Weaver has asked the Government Office for the North West to "call in" the application saying it would be "perverse" if it was determined by planners in the city.
Bosses have vowed to take the matter to a judicial review if it is not called in.
Preston has hit back branding Blackpool's letter to the Government Office of the North West "scathing".
Coun Callow told The Gazette: "Preston basically want to steal Blackpool's shoppers, it's as simple as that. They are rubbing our noses in it just a year after we experienced our own revamp of the town centre.
"Just when we are starting to get back on our feet the council chiefs in Preston want to take it all away from us. Well, we won't stand for it. We will fight them on this for as long as it takes.
"The Tithebarn project may well change Preston's fortunes but it could have a devastating effect for Blackpool."
Blackpool put in a last-minute objection to the bid before it went in front of Preston's planners on Tuesday but the scheme was still voted through.
The council also submitted a 34-page report at how the project would have a negative impact on the resort and neighbouring towns.
Preston City Council's leader Coun Ken Hudson accused Blackpool of having a "small town mentality".
He added: "I am quite perturbed by what is being said. We have never objected to anything Blackpool has applied for and we have even backed them on some schemes.
"The 34-page report gave us little information to think twice about the application.
"I also believe they wrote a scathing letter to the Government office threatening a judicial review if the matter was not called in.
"To say things like they are just shows they have a small town mentality when our consultants say the Tithebarn project will have a five per cent effect on Blackpool.
"This project will benefit the whole of the Lancashire sub region, create jobs and bring more investment into the area."
Blackburn with Darwen Council has also objected to the plans.
The project is set to be completed by 2013.
Town centre traders – who were part of a 30m revamp of the Houndshill Shopping Centre last summer – said they were not concerned about the development.
John Holt, Houndshill Shopping Centre manager, said: "If it's going to cripple anywhere it will be Preston's Fishergate Centre as it's on their doorstep.
"We have worked hard here to build up our reputation and I cannot see shopping fleeing in droves to go down the road to Preston.
"I am not overly concerned about this development."
Graham Dickinson, manager of the Debenhams store, added: "2013 is a long way away so I can't say I am too bothered by it.
"I don't think it will effect us too much to be honest. Our customer numbers keep going up and we are happy. "The Tithebarn project is a long time away so I will worry about it when I need to."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
