AN image which claimed to "visualise" a new mosque at the site of a former pub is not representative of any concrete plans, say mosque leaders.

An artist impression of a building which appeared to be at the former Brierfield pub in Blackburn Road was taken down from a mosque's website after questions were raised about the plans.

Speaking on behalf of Masjidesalaam mosque, Imteyaz Ali told The Bolton News that plans have not been finalised.

He said: “We haven’t decided what we are going to do. We are very close to making a decision but until we formally make a decision I don’t want to say anything."

The derelict building, which is owned by the trustees of Masjidesalaam in Ramsey Street, has been shut for many years.

The purchase has mostly been paid for with the remaining balance expected to be paid in the coming weeks, according to the mosque's website.

A call for donations was also posted on the mosque's website alongside an artist impression which claimed to "visualise the new Masjidesalaam" but was later removed.

Mr Ali said the trust will share any decisions they make about the future of the building with the wider community.

He added: “We want to work with all residents. We want to do something for Astley Bridge and we want to do what’s best for the community.”

Ward councillor Hilary Fairclough said that representatives from the mosque assured her that they hope that anything they do will benefit the community.

She asked the owners whether they would consider demolishing the building but was told that this is not likely to happen.

Cllr Fairclough said: "My reason for this was that in my opinion the building had become beyond repair. It was a best unsightly and at worst a danger, albeit to trespassers. However, I was informed that this couldn't happen for a number of reasons."

The Conservative councillor also asked the mosque to clean the building and surrounding area up.

She added: "Sadly this has not been to my satisfaction, although I must say, in fairness, that the building has been targeted by vandals on many occasions and the trustees have done everything asked of them to make the area secure. It won't win any beauty contests, but it is generally considered secure for enforcement purposes. This of course doesn't stop those determined to gain access."

A petition demanding the compulsory purchase of the Brierfield and Three Pigeons pubs was dismissed by Cllr Fairclough as a "red herring" because it would be "impossible" to bring about.