FED-UP residents are set to enjoy a boost to community facilities when empty council houses are given a face-lift.

People who live in sight of four council houses on George Street, Farnworth, complained to the BEN that they had been boarded up for months, while people were clamouring for decent houses to live in.

It was feared that the properties would be targeted by vandals, who have wreaked havoc in the graveyard of the nearby church of St James, Farnworth.

The protesters said the empty houses should be renovated to provide extra homes for needy people.

But now council chiefs have confirmed that the four properties - vacant since August - are to be converted to eventually provide a special "one-stop shop" for New Bury residents.

Conversion

Plans have already been drawn up for the revamp and tenders have been prepared for the refurbishment scheme.

A council spokesman said: "The work has now been let and conversion is due to begin in the next few weeks. It's hoped some new services will be available from April."

The council scheme will mean new community accommodation will be available for local residents and offices will be provided for local housing staff and other council services.

The cash injection will also provide a boost to the facilities of the area's Single Regeneration Budget team, aimed at developing deprived localities.

The council spokesman added: "In the future it's also hoped to provide surgery facilities for the police and a Citizens Advice Bureau as well as disabled toilet facilities and a creche."

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.