Supporters of Carnforth's quest to become Britain's new railways HQ say county bosses would "squander Lancashire's trump card for investment" if they backed Preston instead.
Heritage group Lancaster Civic Vision said that Carnforth would be a better choice than Preston as the new national HQ for the Great British Railways.
"Lancaster Civic Vision have been alerted by David Morris MP that, despite over 350 people having signed our petition, the county council are going to submit a bid for Preston," said a Lancaster Civic Vision spokesperson.
However, Lancashire County Council said no final decisions on a bid have been made.
It was announced on Monday that Lancaster City Council would be putting in an official bid to support Carnforth as the first ever national HQ for Great British Railways.
Lancaster Civic Vision has created a petition to rally public support for the idea.
"Lancaster Civic Vision are of the opinion that the British public’s high degree of awareness and affection for Carnforth, as a result of Brief Encounter, gives it a very significant competitive advantage in the public voting stage of the selection process," said the spokesperson.
"Carnforth is the only location in Lancashire with this advantage. By opting for Preston we believe that the County Council are squandering this trump card to secure the investment for Lancashire.
"The bid must be Carnforth!
"There are many reasons why Carnforth represents the best option for this investment. These include the contribution that this would make to the Levelling Up agenda, a strategic position close to the M6, a long history of being a critical rail base and iron processing centre, and the fact that the area remains a major supplier of stock and engines for maintenance and supply of excursion trains with skilled staff.
"Carnforth Station already has an iconic status with the British public as a result of it featuring in the classic film Brief Encounter."
David Morris, MP for Morecambe and Lunesdale, said: "There are places like York and Crewe going for it, and I believe Preston is going to be putting in through the county council."
A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "No final decisions have been taken at this point, but we are looking carefully at the details of the competition to consider whether to make a bid, which includes considering possible locations and how this could fit in with our overall ongoing regeneration and economic development work to bring jobs and growth to the county."
For more on the Great British Railways HQ national competition see our story here.
Appeal launched to help save Morecambe sports and social club
Reopening date announced after Morecambe Jobcentre closes for repairs
Lancaster charity urges residents to know how they’re affected by Renters' Rights Act
Lancaster district residents urged to check their details as annual electoral canvass begins
E-bikes and e-scooters seized during police crackdown on Lancaster cycle track
Four vehicles involved in road collision in Carnforth
LISTEN: Popular vlog tells story of couple's second-hand bookshop dream in Morecambe
Emergency team in Silverdale receives donation of life-saving kits
MP offers support to staff after Morecambe FC reported to The Pensions Regulator
Track night at Lancaster sports club to launch police safety scheme for women and girls
PHOTOS: Live music day to raise funds for homeless people in Lancaster hailed as huge success
Former bank turned live music venue in Morecambe to reopen under new management
New parking system set to launch at Royal Lancaster Infirmary
Museum in Lancaster up for award launched by TV historian David Olusoga
MP fights for refunds after Heysham medical centre patients get parking fines in error
Two teenagers arrested after car stolen during Hest Bank burglary
Parents demand further action after health watchdog probe into asbestos complaints at Lancaster school
LISTEN: Lancaster medical students praised for helping man who collapsed
Man arrested on Morecambe beach after report of assault
Police probe burglaries in villages near Carnforth
