THREE developers have contacted the owners of a derelict landmark classed as "at risk" interest with schemes to bring it back into use.

The Grade II-listed Holy Trinity Church in Trinity Street, facing the train station, has been empty since 1992.

In that time the prominent property has fallen into such disrepair that it is on a council list of significant buildings which could be lost to the town forever if their condition worsens further.

Previous schemes to bring the former church back into use, including an attempt by the Council for Voluntary Services to convert it into offices for a group of Bolton charities, have fallen by the wayside. But Worsley-based builders G and J Seddon, who own the building through a land venture company, have revealed that three schemes which would see the church become either offices or a residence are on the table.

It is thought that its prominent location next to the train station would make it especially suitable for offices.

A spokesman for company said: "We are a local firm and we take these responsibilities seriously.

"But these things take time and we would ask everybody to be patient."

But he said it would not be appropriate to release further details of the schemes at this stage.

The 19th Century church is on a "care and maintenance footing" ensuring that its condition does not deteriorate, he said.

The former church's listed building status means its exterior cannot be knocked down and certain key features, such as its vaulted ceilings, must be protected.

Trinity Church is one of the so-called Waterloo Churches, built with money from a £1 million government fund set up in 1818 as a token of the nation's thanks for victory in the famous battle against Napolean.

Harold Lindsay, of Bolton and District Civic Trust, which has campaigned to have the building restored, said: "It would be a great shame to see that building have to be demolished because it is quite historical. It's a real landmark."