THE first legal steps have been taken to transform a notorious street.

Plans have already been submitted for 62 family homes and housing association bungalows which will replace the 99 homes which previously stood on De Lacy Drive in Tonge Moor.

Now legal notices have been published advertising the closure of footpaths to allow developers to protect the site from vandals.

A ginnel between De Lacy Drive and Starkie Road and part of one from the street to Back Ainsworth Lane will be blocked.

The BEN reported in March that the street was to be demolished after 65 pc of the street's residents said it was their favoured option.

Councillors hope the new development, which is being led by Manchester Methodist Housing Association working with the council, will be a catalyst for redevelopment of the whole Tonge Moor area. Bulldozers are expected to move on site in October. Residents of De Lacy Drive are being moved into other council accommodation of their choice.