A LOTTERY hitch has left community revivalists more determined to succeed in Tyldesley.

In an ambitious scheme aimed at bringing prosperity to the town and boosting employment Tyldesley Top Chapel bought the Upper George Street college building.

But their hope of Lottery funding to help finance the Tyldesley Community and Education Centre has been knocked back.

Pastor John Wilson (pictured) told The Journal: "I'm baffled. The Lottery bid adjudicators told us they didn't see any need for a community centre in Tyldesley.

"Wigan and Leigh College survey showed 70-80% of the community want it.

"We have the backing of local councillors and MP Terry Lewis who obviously also feel there is a need."

Centre leaders are now working with Cllrs Brian Wilson and Steve Hellier and grant specialists on a new bid and expect to resubmit it by the end of the month.

When plans for the Centre were revealed in The Journal on February 4 Pastor Wilson said: "Tyldesley is just dying and we felt somebody had to do something.

"We are targeting retraining and getting people in to work."

They have linked with former building owners Wigan and Leigh College to run educational courses. Also planned are nursery and toddler groups and a meeting place for the elderly and disabled.

Pastor Wilson said on Tuesday: "Our IT course is starting and will be a great assistance to young people who want to set up their own business.

"There is a lot of interest.

"Hopefully our renewed bid will be viewed favourably.

"We're grateful to the councillors who have been wonderful and made positive suggestions and we are determined to see this through to success."

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