A NEW community centre in Stoneclough could be in doubt, campaigners fear.

Stoneclough Community Action Group is hoping that plans remain on track to build the centre at the former Robert Fletcher Paper Mill site.

Its construction was included in proposals submitted by the mill owners, and agreed in principle by Bolton Council more than two years ago.

Robert Fletcher (Stoneclough) Ltd lodged plans to use the site in Market Street for residential housing, light industrial units and leisure facilities.

But campaigners fear the plans could be under threat as rumours circulate that the land has been bought.

Pat Carter, action group chairman, said: "We need to know who the new owners are so we can see what they are planning to do. We are hoping that things are going to proceed as we were told they would be.

"But one way or another, the community centre will be built. We have got every faith in that. It is just that we are dangling in mid-air at the moment."

The idea of a community centre for Stoneclough, Prestolee and Ringley dates back to the 1980s.

Plans to build the centre in Brook Street were agreed in principle two years ago, but campaigners said the site was not large enough.

Plans to built it in Hulme Road were also considered, then dismissed.

But after the paper mill closed last May, with the loss of 145 jobs, the site became the preferred choice.

Campaigners were then offered the site under the planning agreement submitted by the owners.

Mrs Carter said: "We were waiting for someone to buy the land and we have heard that it has been purchased -- but we do not know by who.

"We have been told that we will still be able to buy and build our community centre on the land. We hope that the promise still stands."

Campaigners estimate the centre would cost £500,000.

Bolton Council has earmarked around £100,000 and bids to the National Lottery are to be submitted.

At the time the mill closed, the land was owned by Nottingham-based Melton Medes group. It is now in the hands of Manchester-based administrators Begbies Traynor.

The business and land went up for sale by public tender on March 13.