RUMOURS are rife that the owners of Blackpool Tower are poised to buy Chorley's up-for-sale Camelot Theme Park.

A source close to the Citizen who wished to remain anonymous said entertainments giant First Leisure are believed to have prepared a bid for the Charnock Richard complex, which includes Park Hall Hotel.

But the company refused to confirm or deny the rumour and current owners Granada Entertainments were also staying tight-lipped this week.

The rumours follow a statement issued by Granada bosses revealing two takeover bids currently being considered.

The business was put on the market in February as part of Granada's on-going streamlining strategy.

Granada Entertainments managing director Vernon Lord said: "We have received a number of offers to purchase Camelot Theme Park and Park Hall Hotel.

"At this stage two offers have been considered from potential purchasers.

"We appreciate that both the theme park and hotel are profitable businesses which Granada would be sorry to lose.

"However, as part of the general corporate strategy of the Granada Group, it is the intention of Granada Entertainments to focus on and reinvest in other core businesses, in particular health and fitness clubs.

"Until any sale is finally agreed, Granada will continue to operate the businesses and the running and management will continue in the normal way."

Granada stayed silent on the speculation that First Leisure had made a bid and Camelot staff also refused to comment.

Marketing manager Sandra Dempsey said: "There have been offers made and they are being considered at the moment - but I can't confirm or deny individual bids."

First Leisure chiefs also refused to confirm or deny an interest in buying Camelot.

A spokesman said: "We're not prepared to make any comment on it at all at this stage."

First Leisure has recently put Blackpool Tower and the resort's three piers on the market.

Meanwhile, Manchester-based The Legendary Property Company would not confirm or deny they were also in the running. A spokesperson said: "No comment."

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