INDUSTRIAL glory and the sport of kings could make Astley a millennium mecca. A £1.3 million lottery bid goes in next month for enterprising plans to develop the region's unique mining centre at Astley. But that massive sum is just a drop in the ocean compared to the total which could be spent developing the village pit site as a tourist attraction alongside a new horse racecourse.

Red Rose Steam Society chairman Geoff Jones revealed the bid due to be tabled next month will be the first of several on the site of the Astley Green colliery which closed in April 1970.

Geoff said this week: "We're very optimistic about the future. Initially the main aim is to restore the headgear and engine house and finish the restoration of the winding engine."

But plans also include improving workshop facilities and building an exhibition centre where reminders of Lancashire's mining history can be viewed under cover.

An underground experience would be created for site visitors with an on the surface covered-in tunnel complex accessible in in authentic man-rider trains (the Red Rose collection including the country's largest gathering of underground engines).

Chairman Geoff suggested rail extensions would not be confined to the present narrow gauge system.

"The headgear and winding house have been recognised by English Heritage as national monuments."

He said Astley was an authentic pit village still with stark reminders of an industrial past with the region's only genuine intact headgear a landmark for miles around.

"There is talk of linking the pit to the Liverpool-Manchester main railway line by relaying the mineral line section which was built in 1912 but taken up when the pit closed.

"It would be expensive but perhaps feasible with the plans for a new Manchester racecourse practically next to the pit site. And there could be a heritage link with the Museum of Science and Industry at Manchester where some of the Lancashire Mining Museum collection is being relocated."

Peter Rowlinson, head of the resource procurement team in Wigan Council's economic development department, is full of enthusiasm.

He views Astley, Red Rose and the rail link and racecourse plans as important pieces in a complex heritage project jigsaw.

Mr Rowlinson told The Journal :"It is absolutely essential we come up with a scheme which is sustainable.

"A lot of the work will be done by Red Rose done in conjunction with Wigan Council. The intention is for Red Rose to continue as site leaseholders and managers."

He said a feasibility study had been done and the first bid for Heritage Lottery funding would go in next month.

He added: "It's for £1.3 million but this is only the beginning."