By Lesley Richards A OASIS could soon be lost following improvements to a village centre - and a £100,000 land giveaway.

And if planning permission goes ahead the land, opposite Lowton St Luke's Church, will be cleared to make way for a parade of shops - and a much needed community centre.

But local councillor Brian Strett says the new centre will create a focal point for the village.

Wigan Council has waived the charges for the land worth in the region of £100,000 in return for the building of the centre by the small supermarket developer.

The site, at the Stone Cross Lane-Church Lane junction, where work has started on much needed junction improvements, will also include parking spaces and a bus lay-by.

But Lowton resident of over 30 years, Mrs Elaine Appleton, of Wensley Road, opposes the loss of green space.

She said: "The land currently under threat is in Church Lane, a small green oasis opposite St Luke's Church, which used to be a children's play area.

"I feel strongly that the people of Lowton should be given the opportunity to decide its future use based on accurate information."

Cllr Strett has written to Mrs Appleton explaining the situation and hoping she would support the plans.

"A new shopping parade and community centre have long been needed to provide a focal point for the village.

"The village is divided into three sections - St Mary's, St Luke's and the area across the Lancs where shops have been lost as part of other developments.

"The new shops and parking will bring a boost to the area and relief for the generous pub landlords who allow parking to church visitors.

"The new businesses should help in the regeneration of the area which has a growing population all demanding new facilities."

He said when he was elected to the council in 1979 there was a badly neglected play area at the site which he was asked to get restored.

This was done and within three months it was vandalised again and removed.

Six years ago the council bought the land and play equipment to put there but there was a deluge of complaints from residents and the equipment was moved to another site.

Since then the land has not been used but has been maintained and is used by dog walkers.

Cllr Strett said planning applications were now in and much needed improvements to the junction are already underway.