work has begun on a £1.7 million retail plan to revitalise the heart of Little Hulton - creating more than 50 jobs.

The new proposals will bring major supermarket chain Netto and frozen food specialists Farm Foods to the area.

Another as yet unnamed major retail household name is also negotiating with Bolton-based developers G & J Seddon.

The investment has been hailed by local councillors as a welcome boost to a deprived area.

Work has already started at the former Seddon headquarters in Armitage Avenue and is expected to be completed by March, 2005.

Jamie Seddon, of The Seddons Group, said: "We started the development last summer, but work has carried on in earnest since we moved into our new headquarters in Bolton last week.

"We expect to be able to hand over the keys next March, and then the new occupiers will spend six weeks with their own fit-ups, before opening in May of next year."

Netto, the Danish-owned discount grocery chain, has taken a 10,000 sq ft unit, and Aberdeen-based frozen food specialist Farm Foods will occupy 4,600 sq ft in an adjacent building.

Little Hulton councillor Doris Fernandez said: "The extra jobs are something we're very much looking forward to.

"I'm very encouraged that firms are ready to start investing in Little Hulton and hope it will be this sort of scheme that paves the way for future investment.

Seddon had occupied the Armitage Avenue premises since 1897 but last week moved to a £2 million headquarters in Plodder Lane, Bolton.

Christopher Seddon, the grandson, and Jonathon and Jamie Seddon, the great-grandsons of the company founders, were at the site, to mark the occasion by making the first strike in the demolition process.

Jamie Seddon said: "We like to do things that bring a sense of pride to the local community and that serve a purpose.

"We hope that this development will prove a worthwhile and lasting legacy to Little Hulton, and contribute to the town's success."