THE estate to be built on the ruins of trouble-torn De Lacy Drive is to be named Brierwood.

The announcement by Bolton's Mayor, Councillor John Walsh, was made at a special community day at Moorgate Primary School.

And he joined Tonge Moor residents in heralding the new estate as the start of a brighter future.

Cllr Walsh said: "Hopefully this will be a fresh start -- a real boost for the community.

"It is an exciting opportunity to get away from the problems that have existed in the area for far too long. We should all be looking forward to this new development. It will be a chance for people to put the reputation of the area behind them with a new name."

Plans for the new development went on show at the community fun day, which also featured a bouncy castle, face painting and other fun activities for youngsters.

De Lacy Drive, a horseshoe-shaped street, was built in the1930s. It soon gained notoriety for car crime, drugs, problem youths and burglaries.

In a survey of residents by Bolton Council, more than 60 per cent of householders voted for the street to be knocked down and rebuilt.

Last November, bulldozers moved in and demolished the 99 homes.

Work to build 60 new houses, including 33 bungalows, is due to start later this month. Of these, 33 homes will go on general sale with 15 put on the market as part of a shared- ownership scheme. Around 15 bungalows will also be available to rent.

Manchester Methodist Housing Association will construct the homes with private contractors Richardson Projects Ltd, of Rochdale.

Initial prices are expected to range from £60,000 for a two-bedroomed bungalow to £65,000 for a three-bedroomed semi-detached home.

Access to the new estate will be via Ainsworth Lane, with a 20mph speed limit imposed at the entrance to improve road safety. A new access road and playing field for nearby Tonge Moor Primary School in Stott Lane will also be built.

Ada Mort, aged 71, a resident in nearby Starkie Road for 43 years, said: "It is smashing news for the area. I have watched this area go downhill over the years and now we are hoping things will start to change."

The name Brierwood was chosen over Redthorpe in a competition run in local schools. Both names have historical links with 19th century houses in the area.