RESIDENTS in three areas of the borough are to be asked what housing improvements they want to see.

Homes in the Tonge, Burnden and Farnworth wards are being targeted for a major revamp.

They have been put forward by council chiefs for a Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment in a bid to obtain approval from the Government to invest in the area.

This will involve door-to-door interviews, housing condition surveys and detailed consultation with residents to find out the needs and priorities of the area.

A detailed report setting our options, proposals and costings will be sent to the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions in a bid for the wards to be given Renewal Area status.

It is all aimed at regenerating the areas, tackling social problems and improving private sector housing through grants and extra funding for projects.

Cllr Noel Spencer, Cabinet member for housing said: "We will be working closely with the residents and various stakeholders from different agencies through the Local Community Planning process.

"We already have two renewal areas which have been very successful and have significantly transformed the physical and social environment and improved the living conditions for local people.

"This first step of carrying out a Neighbourhood Renewal Assessment is the key to understanding the local conditions, people's needs and aspirations to help us draw up proposals and plans for improving the areas."

Several open days are being planned where local people will be able to get involved in drawing up plans for the area.

Chairman of the Cawdor Residents Association in Farnworth, Tony Brooks, said: "This estate has not had anything in 21 years so we welcome any type of modernisation work.

"People move here and within six months they want to move on again because of the appearance of the estate.

"We want families to move here and stay for good.

"But it is very hard to persuade people to go to open days and consultation meetings because they think it's just another council survey without anything to show for it afterwards.

"Unless people actually see the work being done on the estate, they find it hard to believe anything will change for the better.''

For further information about the plans contact Ian Thornley at the Regeneration Unit on 01204 335679.