DEMOLITION work will start this week on retail units in Farnworth shopping precinct as part of a multi-million pound revamp.

Developers Halladale will start phase one of the plan to convert the centre into an ultra-modern shopping complex by demolishing the retail kiosks and replacing them with five new units.

A modern walkway will also be created linking Brackley Street to King Street.

Cllr James Lord hailed the start of the project, saying: "It's good to see the scheme finally get off the ground.

"The more custom we can get for Farnworth the better. It was looking as if the town centre was dying, but now it's getting brought back to life."

Town centre chiefs have obtained around £40,000 to plant 21 trees on Brackley Street.

The existing flower beds, which often attract piles of litter and vandalism, will be removed.

The second phase of the plans includes the building of public toilets in the precinct, after complaints from shoppers that the nearest facilities were situated in the bus station.

Two large retail stores will be built on either side of the precinct's entrance on Brackley Street as part of the £5 to 10 million scheme.

Halladale has not confirmed who is bidding for the retail space but say there is interest from a collection of well-known high street names.

Councillors have vowed to encourage the developers to include Farnworth's ailing market in the revamp.

Cllr Lord added: "The market needs a complete refurbishment to bring it up to date. Security needs to be improved to ward off the vandals who are destroying the market."

Traders and councillors believe the completed proposals could make Farnworth one of the best and most visited district centres in Bolton.

Bosses from Asda have promised to meet with other large retailers such as Iceland and Greenhalgh to support the revamp of Farnworth's shopping centre.

Tom Morton, chairman of Farnworth town centre committee, welcomed the plans.

"This is the first step in improving the centre of Farnworth and seeing the area regenerated," he said. "The sooner we can get these new shops open the better."

Halladale bought the precinct's 23 stalls and its 12 adjoining shops last September in a deal worth £4.2 million.

The precinct covers 45,000 square feet and was acquired by Bruntwood Estates in 1988, who sold it to Oceana Ltd nearly three years ago.