SEVERAL rescue approaches have been suggested after it was announced Bury's FC Gigg Lane ground was up for sale.

Administrators confirmed this week the historic stadium, with ticket office and club shop, were on the market.

Metro Mayor Andy Burnham weighed in, saying he would work with Bury Council leader Eamonn O'Brien and local MPs to acquire the site.

Before the elections James Daly, Bury North MP, had talked of using specific government funding to make the purchase, as Gigg Lane could be classified as a community asset.

Former Bury North MP James Frith has similarly backed a consortium approach, including the council, Greater Manchester Combined Authority and Whitehall.

And the dreams of supporters collective Forever Bury, which set up a fundraiser to acquire the ground, are still alive.

Agents have been appointed to sell Gigg Lane as part of the ongoing administration process for The Bury Football Club Ltd

Administrator Steven Wiseglass says he has been in discussions with Capital Bridging Solutions, which is itself in administration, over the £2.91m charge it holds over the site.

Mr Wiseglass added: "As part of the administration process, I have been liaising with the secured charge-holder over the stadium and have now appointed Fleurets to actively market the stadium for sale.

“My role is to secure the best possible outcome for all stakeholders of The Bury Football Club Company Ltd.

“Bury FC is a club with a rich history and a loyal and enthusiastic fan base, and I do hope that a suitable buyer will be forthcoming to secure the future of football at Gigg Lane.”

The administration process began last November, with The Bury Times reporting that the company owed various creditors £15.2m.

But talks have indicated a path could be made clear for a revived Bury FC to one day join the National League or Northern Premier League.

The position of club chairman and director Steve Dale, who is said so far to have been unco-operative with the administrators, remains unclear.

Mr Wiseglass added: "It is understood there may be an offer from a community interest group to purchase the stadium and trading name as a result of the Chancellor’s announcement in the recent Budget to provide matched funding for purchasing assets of community interest.

“There are other potential parties interested in acquiring the business and assets, and I am liaising with them.”

Graeme Bunn, managing director of Fleurets, said: “This is a unique opportunity to purchase a freehold stadium, with an all-seating capacity of over 12,000.

“The marketing of the stadium presents a variety of buyers and occupiers with the prospect of securing the landmark property. Offers will be invited on an unconditional basis."