Leader of Preston City Council reveals plans to get city back on its feet after the pandemic
Cllr Matthew Brown tells us his recovery map for the city in our #LeadersinLockdown interview
The leader of Preston City Council has told us 'they'll leave no stone unturned' in getting the city back on its feet after the pandemic.
Cllr Matthew Brown wants to turn Preston into a 'creative hub' where people come for nightlife, music and entertainment.
WATCH: The full #LeadersInLockdown interview here from 7pm tonight:
Cllr Brown said despite the pandemic, they were still determined to push on ahead with plans for the multi-million pound cinema and restaurant complex that was put on hold because of lockdown: "That's been put on hold for about a year, we're still committed to it, we still think it can happen, there's still interest in making it happen.
"Those plans around having more cultural and creative activity in our city centre, around the Harris Quarter, again they've been put on hold."
As well as boosting the local economy, Cllr Brown says he wants to tackle the inequalities that have been harshly exposed in the city by the pandemic: "We also support a real living wage of £9.50 an hour, we want to encourage companies in Preston to recognise trade unions because people are in safer environments if they're recognised by a trade union.
"Also we're very keen to get more affordable and social housing in Preston.
"The people who've got us through this pandemic, it tends to be people who are lower paid. If they can't afford their rent at the end of the day, it's a serious issue.
"If you're disabled, or less well off, or from a minority community then you've been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and we just can't look back to those levels of inequality in our community after covid.
"All these things I've got to try and make sure do happen to a degree, I might fail but it's my responsibility as leader to make sure everyone benefits."
You can follow the story using #LeadersInLockdown.