HOUSING association properties in decaying parts of the borough are to receive a £5.3 million overhaul as Bolton Council attempts to stop the rot.

The cash from the Government's Housing Corporation will be used to regenerate a variety of areas where the property market has collapsed.

It will fund a series of housing schemes over the next 12 months that will see 72 properties redeveloped and 26 new homes built.

Among the projects to benefit will be Jauncey Street in Derby ward, where a terraced street has recently undergone a major transformation. Parts of Tonge, Halliwell, Daubhill and Central wards are also being regenerated through the scheme.

Cllr Noel Spencer, chairman of Bolton at Home, an independent organisation set up to manage the borough's council houses, said he hoped the scheme would start to turn some areas around.

He said: "This money will be targeted at areas which are suffering from abandoned properties and the problems that brings."

The funding, granted through the Approved Development Programme, contributes to Bolton Council's Community Strategy aimed at providing good quality housing as well as a wide choice of properties for residents.

Registered social landlords -- such as Irwell Valley, Manchester Methodist, Portico and St Vincents -- will lead the schemes.

Councillor John Byrne, Bolton Council's executive member for economic development and housing strategy, said: "The funding is excellent news. It reflects the strong partnership between the council and the housing associations and will help contribute to improving housing and choice throughout the borough as well as boosting regeneration."