ASTLEY'S big dream has come true.

Morts Astley Heritage Trust have become owners of Astley Hall.

And they are set to turn it in to a multi-million pound community centre.

They hit the jackpot after four years of determination, dedication and appeals far and wide for funding.

Trust members are overjoyed at having secured Astley Hall (also known as a former hospital administration HQ, Dam house) plus 13 acres of surrounding woodland and a one acre garden.

Mort's Spokesperson Christine Jones said: "This is a momentous occasion. The odds seemed stacked against us at times and there have been many obstacles to overcome.

"But the dedication, determination and steadfastness of the trustees, members of Morts Astley Heritage Group, professional advisers and the people of Astley has borne fruit.

"The seemingly impossible has been made possible by faith and teamwork. We extend our grateful thanks to all who have supported us. We are absolutely delighted."

The aim is to provide a community centre including primary care centre with clinic, GPs' surgeries, pharmacy, nursery, tea rooms, small offices and a historic educational resource centre. The package, including the doctors' house for a caretaker's residence, has been bought from Bryant Homes North West Limited who purchased the former Astley Hospital site.

The Hall is a grade two listed building in a conservation area and was built in 1650 by Adam and Margaret Mort. It became a hospital in the late 19th century and closed in 1994.

The project has been funded by a £1.6m Heritage Lottery grant, £279,000 of European Regional Development Fund cash plus backing from English Heritage, Astley Rotary Club and Wigan Council.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.