FIVE partner companies have been selected to help carry out a multi-million pound refurbishment and improvement scheme for Bolton's 22,000 council homes.

An £800 million council house modernisation programme is to be carried out over the next 30 years under a new management system.

Bolton At Home -- described as an Arms Length Management Organisation -- is taking over management and maintenance of council housing in the town.

It has signed up to a pioneering partnership arrangement with Bramall Construction, Durose and Gourley, Herbert T Forrest, Connaught and Roland Bardsley.

As well as bringing about major improvements to homes, Bolton at Home will also strive to improve the local economy through investment in local skills.

Bolton at Home has doubled the number of building craft apprentices previously recruited by the Housing Department.

The Housing Department normally recruits 12 apprentices a year but through Bolton at Home's new partnership another 12 will train as plumbers, electricians and roofers. A further three technical trainees have been recruited who will gain building surveying skills.

Cllr Noel Spencer, Chair of the Bolton at Home Shadow Group Board, said: "Initially Bolton at Home is investing in the craftspeople and technicians of tomorrow and has been given a major boost by the European Social Fund, which is providing 40 per cent of the funding.

"Bolton at Home will draw in investment so we can improve our housing stock and this is just one of the extra sources of funds we are now attracting."

"This increase in jobs can only mean improvement.