A SCHEME to demolish a notorious housing estate and replace it with new homes has been given outline approval by Bolton councillors.

The green light was given by the planning and highways committee yesterday.

Residents of De Lacy Drive, Tonge Moor, which has a reputation for crime and drugs, have already voted to demolish it.

Its 99 homes will be replaced with 62 houses and flats for the elderly under a scheme put forward by Manchester Methodist Housing -- Bolton Council's redevelopment partner.

The proposals also include plans to extend the playing fields of neighbouring Tonge Moor Primary School.

Bulldozers are expected to move onto the site in October and planners hope the scheme will prove to be a catalyst for the redevelopment of the area.

The decision to demolish the estate was taken by councillors in March after efforts to tackle its crime and drugs problems failed.

Access to the new estate will be via Ainsworth Lane, with a 20 miles per hour speed limit imposed at the entrance to improve road safety.

Tonge Moor is also to benefit from Government cash for housing improvements and the £9.5 million Castle Hill project, which will create a school and community centre.

Residents of De Lacy Drive are being moved into other council accommodation of their choice.

They will receive nearly £2,000 in compensation and the authority has set around £150,000 to cover the cost of the move out.