A survey of hundreds of Prestonians has claimed the city centre is a ‘better place to be’ than in previous years.

Preston’s Business Improvement District carry out the annual survey and had 505 responses.

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They survey visitors to the city at random and they also say 85 per cent of those surveyed feel safe when they are in the city centre.

60 per cent of respondents thought the city’s leisure offer as good or very good and 49 per cent thought the city’s galleries, museums and cultural offering were good quality.

Chairman of Preston BID John Boydell said: “The survey underlines the positivity around Preston city centre.

“Tens of thousands of people are using the city centre on a weekly basis. More than 45 per cent of survey respondents who visited the city centre live out of town, proving that visiting Preston is a conscious decision.

“We were pleased to read that almost 70 per cent of respondents are acutely
aware of the BID’s work with 75 per cent believing the body adds value to the city.

“Since we launched this survey back in 2010, we have seen a shift in public opinion and attitude towards Preston and, while there is always more work to be done, stakeholders continue to make positive strides towards a more prosperous city centre.”

Read more: Preston named as the most improved city in the UK

Preston City Council welcomed the results of the survey.

Leader of the city council councillor Matthew Brown said: “The results of the city centre survey are very positive for Preston and underline the efforts of not only the council but other stakeholders too.

“We are continuously striving to ensure the city is a great place to live, work and visit so it’s great knowing that people agree and also feel safe.

“Exciting new and ongoing developments at the Harris and the Markets quarter strengthen the city’s recent title of most improved city along with our passion to build an inclusive economy.”

Businesses across the city have given their response to the survey results.

Manager of St George’s Shopping Centre and chair of the City Retail Forum Andrew Stringer said: “I am delighted that this year’s survey shows increased positivity. There’s a palpable energised feel to the city at the moment.”

UCLan’s Andy Coverdale who chairs the city’s Business Crime Reduction Partnership said: “The survey results demonstrate what many
people in Preston already know; our city centre is predominantly a safe place to be.

“The recently improved street-scene is a major positive for the city and has never looked better. I and many other people that I speak to are optimistic about Preston’s future.”

Read more: Market Hall car park closes for demolition work

Independent florist in Friargate Margaret Mason said: “It is wonderful to know that people’s perceptions of Preston city centre match my belief that this is a great place to do business.”

What do you think about the survey results? How do you feel about the city centre? What do you think is missing? Let us know in the comments below

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