HARD hats are a must when house buyers view a prominent Atherton property.

Derelict Briarcroft is poised for a new lease of life - provided a buyer can be found to renovate the fire and vandal ravaged Victorian building.

Once the focal point of Fletcher-Burrows' model Howe Bridge mining village, Briarcroft has been put up for sale by Wigan Council - which doesn't yet own it.

The authority is seeking buyers for the jewel-in-the-crown which became a thorn-in-the-side after it closed in April 1995 as a youth centre.

It would prefer Briarcroft to be refurbished and says total demolition and redevelopment could only be considered as a last resort.

The Council is currently in the process of purchasing the leasehold interest in the property from British Coal Property. Now the Borough land and Property Department is open to offers for Briarcroft - once the home of the influential Fletchers.

Although the sales description sounds like a builder's nightmare the authority is hopeful a buyer will come along prepared to save the historic building within Howe Bridge Conservation Area.

Sales particulars describe the property as "in severe disrepair" with over 8,000 square feet of accommodation on four floors (including the basement).

The brief also states: "Potential purchasers must provide hard-hats which must be worn when inspecting the site."

Potential purchasers will be told any development proposals for Briarcroft and the whole one acre site must preserve or enhance the area.

Atherton Cllr Sue Loudon has high hopes for Briarcroft.

She said: "It is such an important building linked with the model mining village and Atherton's heritage.

"Such a lovely, interesting, old building - I wish I could afford to buy it.

"It is in a saleable position and can again play an important community role.

"It would be very sad to see it demolished."

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