The issues of boundary lines has been front and centre in Preston for the past week.

From proposals to create a ‘Greater Preston’ authority area through to the site for a new hospital being headed south of the Ribble.

Everyone’s had the maps out to see where one place ends and another begins.

Read more: Greater Preston proposal sees Penwortham fire back and Garstang fury over being annexed

Boundaries are emotive subjects because they are often historically connected and give people a sense of place.

It’s not just about where your council tax is paid into (and let’s be honest, the biggest chunk goes to county-wide services as it stands).

The challenge is everyone operates to different definitions of Preston. From the health service, to the police, to the council(s), to churches, to schools, to electoral boundaries and more.

I saw one comment, ‘all Preston aren’t we?’ in response to councillor Brown’s proposal. An interesting idea because the argument is the city is the administrative heart of the surrounding areas and so this should be reflected in where the power lies.

I’ve had a go at visualising the ‘Greater Preston’ area which was outlined in Paul Faulkner’s piece with councillor Brown – it’s worth noting it would likely include the economic powerhouse of the Samlesbury enterprise corridor as well as the proposed new hospital site in South Ribble.

Political boundaries are flashpoints, always have been, always will be. And in theory there’s no right or wrong answer – and there’s a risk in it being decided by some desk-jockey from a far-away government institution but also if it’s too close to home then why would turkeys ever vote for Christmas?

We do need a sensible discussion about the shape of Preston, and indeed all parts of Lancashire, for the future ahead. Because boundaries related to bridges, water courses and maybe other old landmarks are not practical for the way modern families, businesses, organisations and individuals live their lives and get on.

What we’ve found over the years is people always identify strongest with where they are – be that Fulwood, be that Penwortham, be that Bamber Bridge or Catterall. There’s always a ‘Preston’ or ‘Wyre’ or indeed ‘Lancashire’ above that but it’s that very local identity which people in our experience at Blog Preston are always most proud of.

So whatever shape of things may come to pass, it’s crucial people don’t lose sight of and the value of what local really means to most people.

What do you think about where Preston should end and begin? Let us know your views in the comments below

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