Links between Lowry’s ‘worthless’ Wigan land and deals probed by Moriarty

Links have emerged between Michael Lowry’s “worthless” development land in Wigan and three English property deals probed by the Moriarty Tribunal.

Prominent figures from the three controversial transactions were involved in draft plans for the Wigan site. These were Christopher Vaughan, Paul May, Helen Malone, Aidan Phelan, Morton Thornton accountants, and Kevin Phelan. They played various roles in plans for Doncaster Rovers as well as in the towns of Cheadle and Mansfield.

Files show a company they were involved in, Avo-neve Ltd, negotiated a proposed purchase plan for the Wigan greenbelt in 1998. This firm also engaged English law firm Eyton Morris Winfield to advise it during negotiations. Avoneve’s draft agreement, with Rackwood Colliery Company, included options to develop 187 acres of adjoining farmland at junction 25 near Wigan. It is not known if Avoneve activated this agreement.