A MILLION pound scheme has been tabled to turn an empty mansion into a community centrepiece.

Morts Astley Heritage Group has waged a relentless campaign to save Dam House on the Church Road hospital site which the NHS Executive wants to sell for housing.

The Heritage Group's carefully drawn-up plans would mean Dam House would belong to Astley and play a major role in village life.

Now, with indications favouring the NHS nod of approval to the locals' scheme, the community is tugging at Lottery and Euro purse strings.

Christine Jones, who has persistently pressed to save the historic site, explained: "We are seeking a National Lottery bid of £730,000 and Euro funding to the tune of £280,000.

"We're optimistic about the whole thing. The costings are high but we want to do it right. The site has not yet been sold and we are hopeful we can work with any chosen developer to retain the area's character.

"Our plans would mean Dam House would belong to Astley. We have applied for change of use and listed building consent for internal alterations.

"We envisage community rooms in the stable block, a nursery and gardens to the rear of the property, a doctors' surgery and health centre, pharmacy and tea rooms."

"Architectural features hidden by 20th century alterations would be uncovered.

"The lovely old Gothic style second floor chapel we hope to keep as a meeting room. Although it is not in the application we envisage sheltered accommodation for the aged or almshouses in what was the nurses' home."

Local business people are interested in leasing office quarters and proposals include caretaker accommodation.

Ideas include reinstating a long-demolished chimney stack as keen backers heard when the group's architect and building experts laid plans before them.

A Wigan Council spokesman said: "Our planners have worked closely with Morts Heritage Group guiding on what is and what would not be permissible.

"Christine Jones has been extremely dynamic and we've been pleased to work with her. The application will now go before the Council's planning committee."

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