This week Lancashire County Council will decide whether to continue with its proposals for a multi-million pound Preston Youth Zone in the city, or scrap it.

Mooted since 2009 the Youth Zone would house multiple activities for young people in the city and be located on the western apron of the revamped Preston Bus Station.

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A report to the county council’s cabinet says due to spiralling costs and a lack of providers bidding to run it the idea should be shelved.

Campaigners for the Youth Zone argue the county council changed the detail in the tender, cutting the lease length and demanding more money from a potential operator.

Here’s how Prestonians have been reacting to the news the Youth Zone may not go ahead.

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Those who want it built

Kelly McBee said: “What a joke! This has been planned and promised to young people for years. All that time and energy wasted. Too much talk, not enough action as always.”

Lauretta Watson said: “No surprise there then, they should be supporting youth/children run schemes! We could lose ours because people in offices, don’t actually see the work all our volunteers do!”

Jenny Ashcroft said: “Such a shame! Again and again young people are at the brunt of the council decisions! But hey at least we got our useless library’s back.

“Again due to LCC and the way they ‘do things’ people pulling out of our county due to increased costs …. Ikea ….. but most importantly this a huge needed resource for young people just look at the Chorley one! It’s amazing!”

Some people don’t think it’s in the right place

Tony Parker said: “To build on a bus station!! Really!! Why not build it on the m6…same difference..idiotic plans! Common sense has prevailed.”

Neil Coggins said: “Always thought it was a bit too ambitious. Plus plenty if other empty buildings that could’ve been utilised.”

Simon Gooch said: “Should have always been Bow Lane, was doomed to failure as soon as it was made part of this disaster of a bus station project which has cost millions that could have been spent elsewhere.”

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What should they do with the money?

Ian Clement said: “A great opportunity now to use the money for the development of this city centre open space suitable for the benefit of all the people of Preston. Could be made into an attractive place for relaxing and large scale performances outdoor exhibitions, and community projects…just a little quality thought and imaginative design work required.”

Judith Kerrigan said: “The money should be spent in local areas, with local youth groups…..why should the youth have to travel into town?”

How have readers voted…

We’ve been running a poll on Blog Preston asking our readers what they think should happen. Here’s how more than 200 voted:

Scrap it and spend the money elsewhere – 47%
Press ahead with it – 39%
Fund it, but find a new location – 14%

Read more: Second Preston Tory quits the party in the city

The county council’s cabinet will meet on Thursday (9 August) to discuss the proposals.

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What do you think? Should the Youth Zone go ahead or not? Let us know in the comments below