The briefing takes place from 6pm at the Town Hall

A meeting takes place on Wednesday night where Preston City Council briefs local businesses on its financial position.

The city council has to find savings of £3.6 million a year by 2018.

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A budget paper suggests the city council is finding an underspend of nearly £456,000 and has an estimated capital surplus of £133,000.

Councillor Martyn Rawlinson, cabinet member for resources, will lead the briefing to the likes of the Chamber of Commerce, Preston Business Improvement District and other prominent business people in the city.

Cllr Rawlinson said: “We do this because Preston Council has both strategic and operational interests in the city centre and beyond; and therefore our plans impact businesses around Preston. The meeting allows the Cabinet to hear the concerns of the business community and explain the councils wider financial position.

“Hot topics at these meetings include car parking, empty shops, street realm and cleanliness of the city centre.

“The council is currently undergoing a major savings exercise which has seen both Preston Bus Station and the Guild Hall transfer from its ownership into the hands of those with more resources to sustain and develop them. Preston Markets redevelopment is also under way with the appointment of architects and major funding bids for Winckley Square are in the pipeline.

“Preston Council continues to support business in Preston within the limits of it’s reducing resources.”

You can view the full report on the city council website.

Do you run a business in Preston? What’s your view on the financial position? What would you like to see the council do? Let us know in the comments below