THE redevelopment of De Lacy Drive is set to breathe new life into Tonge Moor and lead to a further £4m worth of investment in the area.

Plans have been unveiled which would see the troubled estate transformed and bring massive improvements to surrounding areas.

Proposals for De Lacy Drive would see the building of:

33 three bedroomed houses

13 two to three bedroomed houses for part sale/part rent

15 rented bungalows for the elderly

A new road linking it to Ainsworth Lane

A new and larger playing field for Tonge Moor Primary School.

The regeneration plan, which has been pulled together by a project team of councillors, local authority departments and representatives of Manchester Methodist Housing Association, has received outline permission and has been enthusiastically welcomed by residents. work could start in March or April next year.

The proposals for De Lacy Drive are one of several major initiatives now being planned for this part of Tonge Moor.

The others include work on older housing stock around Tonge Moor Road and Horsa Street, upgrading of Tonge Moor Primary School, various traffic management schemes and improvements at Moorgate County Primary School.

Demolition of the estate has started and Tonge ward councillor Elaine Sherrington said rehousing residents was completed much quicker than originally expected. She said: "Everything is going very smoothly and we have had no complaints, all the residents are happy."

Noel Spencer, Executive Member of Housing for the council, said the efficient rehousing was an example of close co-operation and he praised staff.

He stressed the importance of mixed tenure and said having a stake in the ownership of a house often led to increased pride in properties and greater aspirations.

He added: "There is a lot going on in Tonge Moor and it is all very positive."

The next step is for Manchester Methodist in collaboration with the council to appoint a private sector partner. Three developers are interested and the successful partner is expected to be appointed before Christmas.