THE battle to rescue Bolton's ageing homes is set to be fought on a new front from today.

Council chiefs have extended their campaign to reverse decay in the town by declaring Tonge as the new frontline.

Thousands of properties built before 1919 will be given revamps in a bid to prevent the area from slumping into decline.

Homeowners will be able to apply for improvement grants covering up to 100 per cent of the cost of a makeover.

It follows earlier successful schemes in Rumworth and Halliwell. During the summer, Farnworth was also declared a renewal area.

Cllr Noel Spencer, executive member for housing, said: "I'm delighted that we are able to offer opportunities for the people in this area."

Tonge is part of a Single Regeneration Budget scheme and councillors claim that it will allow them to create not just better homes but broader social and economic opportunities.

Leaflets have been posted to residents in the area and two open days have been pencilled in to allow them to find out more about the scheme.

Cllr Spencer said: "We want to significantly transform the physical and social environment and improve the living conditions for people on Tonge." In Salford, decaying homes were abandoned and some were even tied up in deals in which buyers were offered two properties for the price of one.

Councillors are keen to avoid a repeat of that situation in Bolton. Regeneration manager Glenys Campbell said: "We need to save a whole area."

More than 78 per cent of properties in Rumworth and 75 per cent in Halliwell have been improved through grant-funded work which the council believes has made a marked difference.

Open days for Tonge Moor will take place on November 7 from 3pm to 7pm at St Augustines Court, Thicketford Road, and on November 14 at Trinity Methodist Church, Bury Road, from 3pm to 8pm.