Old Post Office building, behind the Cenotaph, will be a walk-in centre

Partygoers in Preston during the festive party season will be treated in the city centre.

The former Post Office building on Birley Street is being turned into a temporary accident and emergency shelter.

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Volunteers from the British Red Cross will man the building from 10.30pm until 4am in a bid to keep hospital beds free by providing first-class treatment to revellers with minor injuries.

Michelle Pilling, community safety manager for Preston Council, said: “At this time of year you get a lot more people going out, drinking too much, and they can be more vulnerable and can become victims of crime.

“This scheme is mainly aimed at stopping the overcrowding of A&E with people who might have been wearing high heels and twisted their ankles, and only need a bandage.

“There will also be people on hand to call for lifts, and to give advice.

“It’s the first time that this kind of thing has been offered. In previous years the council has let the premises out just to the police, so this is a more complete service.

“We want people to enjoy Preston’s nightlife in a safer environment, and avoid contact with the emergency services.”

The centre will be open on Friday 6 December, Saturday 7 December and every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night until December 21. The council also plan to operate it on New Year’s Eve.

The Old Post Office building is one of the city council’s priority building to find a new use for, as outlined in the city’s heritage investment strategy.

Council leader Peter Rankin has written for Blog Preston explaining his desire to see the building used again.

What do you think? Is this a good use for the building? Let us know in the comments below