A HOUSE that has stood empty for almost a quarter of a century will be transformed with the help of students.

The home in Victoria Grove, off Chorley Old Road, has been vacant since April 1993 — making it the longest-standing empty property in the borough.

Bolton Council now wants to either work with its owner, who lives outside the area, or buy the £20,000-valued house to bring it back into use.

The plan is for students from Bolton College and the University of Bolton to help refurbish the site, which is in a serious state of disrepair.

Once the work is completed, the council will consider a number of options for the future of the property — including selling it, or using it as temporary accommodation to help homeless people.

Cllr Elaine Sherrington, cabinet member for housing, said: “This is a really exciting project which I am delighted to support.

“It is an opportunity to give young people a chance to work on a small scale project, which supports their studies, looks great on their CVs and helps us to refurbish a property.

“They will be working alongside our contractors and benefitting from the expertise and experience of professionals from the trade.

“We do have a long term empty property in mind for them to refurbish, which before the students can work on it, needs structural issues resolving.

“The university and college have been very supportive and we are looking forward to working together on this.”

According to a council report, there is evidence of dry rot in the property and some structural problems.

The council has been in contact with the owner since 2008, when they were told renovation works would be carried out so it could be rented. Some building work did start, but had stopped by 2012 following a dispute between the owner and contractor.

Should the council not be able to buy the house, an alternative property will be sought for this pilot project.

The house could also be bought via a compulsory purchase order.

The college will provide up to four students from different trades, such as plastering, plumbing and electricians, to assist with the physical makeover.

A university student will assist with the design specification for the refurbishment project, while another will compile a dissertation about empty homes management.