HISTORIC Bradshaw cottages could be returned to their former glory if a lottery bid by their housing association owners is successful.

The 59 former bleach workers' cottages in Lea Gate, Church Street and King Street are in need of modernising and over the years previous owners have made architectural alterations out of keeping with the area.

The mid-Victorian terraces fall within the Bradshaw Chapel conservation area and Portico want to replace windows with traditional looking Georgian timber sash windows and doors more in keeping with those originally in the buildings.

Portico estimates the work, including other renovation, will cost about £605,000.

In order to fund the project the residents, together with Portico and Bolton Council, have launched a bid for cash from the Heritage Lottery funded Townscape Heritage Initiative Grant Aid.

"It will be a real flagship project," said Bolton Council's conservation officer Moira Blood.

"The cottages make a very important contribution to the character of the area.

"This will also demonstrate how to restore this type of area."

Cllr Noel Spencer, Bolton Council's executive member added: "It is a real opportunity to revitalise that particular area. I would love to see this particular scheme go ahead."