parcels platform. The line towards Liverpool was truncated and singled in summer 1970, with Preston services terminating at . This was followed by the closure of the East Lancashire line, between Preston and , via its original direct route, in April 1972. The East Lancashire platforms 10 to 13 were demolished, along with the Butler Street Goods Yard. Their site is now covered by car parks for the station and the adjacent Fishergate Shopping Centre, which was built in the 1980s, partly over the north end of the former goods yard. The remaining platforms 3 to 9 were renumbered 1 to 7. Some of the station's heritage can still be seen: At the far north end of platform 4 are the remains of the Ladywell Sidings, most of which was lifted to make way for a ring road which was built in the 1990s. At the north end of platform 3, a disused bay platform can be seen. It follows the original alignment of the main platform before the 1903 expansion. There is a tunnel between platforms 3 and 4, under the station approach. Locomotives and trains are occasionally stored there. At the north of platform 7 is the blocked up remains of the tunnel which took the platform 13 (originally number 10) through-line from the north, under the Butler Street entrance. At the southern end of platform 7, the platform edge curves away to the east but the line now turns westward to join the main line. The former platforms 1 and 2 are also still in existence, but closed to passengers, and was used for Royal Mail Parcelforce services until recently. Old platform 1 and the lines to its west have been broken to form two bay platforms. Network Rail has its offices here. Electrification In 1970, approval was given to electrify the rest of the West Coast Main Line from Weaver Junction through Preston to Glasgow Central. Electric trains began serving Preston in 1973. This was accompanied by new signals on the line and a power signal box was constructed north of the station close by Fylde Junction. Electrification over run also took place at this junction to facilitate electrification to Blackpool at a later date- although in the event it would be over forty years before the Blackpool line was electrified. Special features A free buffet for servicemen was provided at the station during both World