Inquiry into demolition of Preston Public Hall, Preston pies are politician's passion, and I'm alive says death hoax spiritualist

One resident halted plan to scrap hall

A Government ministry slapped a “listed building” tag on Preston Public Hall soon after the town’s council announced plans to demolish it.

The inquiry into the future of the 150-year-old hall heard this claim from the director of development and works Mr Richard Aspden.

He told the inquiry that the Department of Environment officers ignored pleas from the council and listed the former corn exchange as a building of special architectural interest.

“We were informed by the Department that the listing was affected at the instigation of a single local resident who sent a number of photographs,” he said. The listing prevented demolition without Government approval.

The council is appealing for permission to demolish the hall to put an extension of the existing Ringway road through the site.

The hall has been unused since 1973, said Mr Aspden.

Strong opposition to the demolition bid came from a Victorian Society member, Mr John Maddison.

He described the building as an important structure. He added there should be scope to adapt the hall.

The inquiry continues.

Preston pies are politician’s passion

Government Minister Harold Walker was far from crusty when he talked about Preston’s assets. For the employment expert revealed his secret passion - for the town’s meat pies.

The Minister of State for Employment stopped off at a Deepdale pie shop during a formal visit and bought 14 of the excellent pastries.

And with his tasty purchases loaded into the boot of his official car and a dignified entourage beside him, he set off for an important working lunch at the Preston Dock offices.

The minister was talking about Preston’s key industrial and commercial role when he mentioned its important shopping facilities.

And that led him to confide he regularly called at the local confectioners. “It is a little shop which makes the finest meat pies,” he said.

I’m alive says death hoax spiritualist

Spiritualist healer William Sykes was brought down to earth with a bump as he scoured the columns of the “Evening Post”.

For there, as large as life in the death notices, was an announcement of his sudden death.

But 53-year-old Mr Sykes wants the world to know that he is alive and well, and living in Leyland.

And he has hit out at the “sick-minded” joker who decided to play the macabre prank.

“I know I believe in life after death but this is ridiculous,” said Mr Sykes, who runs a popular spiritualist healing circle from his home in Russell Avenue.

“I have no idea who is responsible but I think they must be slightly sick and mentally deranged.

“I am not too upset myself but many of my friends were extremely anxious and hurt, and that obviously troubles me.”

The first Mr Sykes knew of the hoax notice, which said that he had died at home, was when a neighbour called. He read it for himself later.

The notice was placed by a woman who gave a false name and address. In the notice his age was given inaccurately.