MP DAVID Chaytor is launching a last-ditch attempt to save a valuable Lowry painting for the town.

He is appealing for donations from Bury residents and businesses to bid for A River Bank when it goes to auction next month.

Council chiefs need the painting to reach £500,000 to balance the budget, and ideally raise a further £421,000 to make up the overspend on the new Ramsbottom library.

"I think the council is doing the right thing," said the Labour backbencher. "Local authorities have always sold assets to improve public services. If it's a choice between a single oil painting and a new library in Ramsbottom, I know what my preference is.

"But clearly some people are passionate about it. I am struck by the vociferousness of some people who maybe didn't know Bury had a Lowry, and probably have never seen it, and now claim it's a vital part of our local heritage."

Mr Chaytor said that, if his appeal succeeded, contributors would own a share in the Lowry on condition that they agreed to keep the Lowry on public display in Bury.

"This combines the attitudes of the great Victorian philanthropists with a modern socialist approach," he said. "I would appeal particularly to Bury's wealthiest families and most profitable businesses to look at this idea seriously and work with me to help launch this fund.

"If 1,000 wealthy people each made a donation of £500, we would raise the funds. I don't think that should be impossible if there's the strength of feeling that some people have indicated.

"If people come forward to act as trustees, I'm prepared to put my money where my mouth is and make a donation."

Contributors can contact Mr Chaytor at his Bury office (0161 764 2023) or via the web at chaytord@parliament.uk

  • LOWRY'S paintings are the backdrop to a new Oasis video which will be shown on Saturday on BBC2's Top of the Pops.

The Masterplan makes playful use of iconic Lowry images such as Man Lying on a Wall, Fairground at Daisy Nook and views of terraced streets, as well as landing the Gallagher brothers in Lowry's seascapes and empty landscapes.