THE demolition of more than 50 properties on a vandal-plagued road is likely to begin towards the end of this year, according to housing bosses.

The partial demolition of Breightmet's decaying Greenroyd Avenue, and the restoration of remaining homes, is part of a revitalisation scheme by the Bolton at Home organisation which runs the town's council housing.

Only 30 of the road's 127 houses are occupied and five tenants live in the row likely to be demolished.

Residents had complained that arsonists had set fire to the boarded up properties, putting lives at risk, and firefighters have been called to properties on the street on numerous occasions.

People living in the area were consulted on the future of the street last year.

It is hoped that the option of demolition, which was backed by residents, will make the area safer and quieter.

After the demolition of the houses, which are on the steep side of the road, the area will be landscaped and traffic calming measures implemented.

Residents moving out of the street were given the option to move into any council house of their choice, subject to availability.

A spokesman for Bolton At Home said: "The demolition has not started yet, and is not likely to until October or November.

"The families who are set to move from the properties have now chosen somewhere else where they would like to live, and we are currently preparing these properties."