'EYESORE' substations damaged by flytipping and vandalism are set for a major revamp.

Bolton has been chosen to take part in a new scheme which will see the mini power points given a "community makeover".

The Transforming our Spaces project has been created by Electricity North West, which has selected the substations in Carnation Road, Farnworth, and Selkirk Road, Smithills, as targets for a revamp along with seven other spots across the region.

Areas around the stations have been cleared and some work has started which will see flowers planted, as well as planters installed which include bird feeders, herbs and bug hotels.

Angie Thornton, who is heading up the scheme, said she was "absolutely delighted" that work had started on the revamps.

“Substations aren’t always the most aesthetically pleasing spaces, but they’re critically important to the operation of the electricity network," she said.

"Our teams keep the sites on a regular maintenance program which involves weeding and cleaning so that they don’t become eyesores, but this project takes things one step further."

The Bolton News:

She explained that many of the sites chosen for a makeover have been subject to ongoing problems, including damage or littering, which makes the areas around the stations look unpleasant.

Others have been selected because community groups in the area lack the funding to complete the work independently.

Ms Thornton added: “Occasionally certain substations can be vandalised, be hot spots for fly tipping or the surrounding land, which we don’t always own, isn’t maintained very well.

“We’ve launched the project to give substations, which meet certain criteria, a much needed makeover. Our aim is to make the revamped areas part of the community."

She hopes that the scheme can be extended if the initial projects prove to be a success.

Substations are an important part of the power network because they take high voltage power from cables and transform it into a lower voltage which can be used safely in homes.

As a result, they are mostly found in residential areas and are often subject to graffiti, damage or other acts of vandalism. For more information, visit: www.enwl.co.uk.