AN industrial eyesore is earmarked for a dramatic transformation into a multi-million pound residential development.

The UNIFI Dyed Yarns works, in York Street, Radcliffe, closed two years ago, and has since been a major concern to residents who fear the site may fall further into disrepair and become a magnet for gangs of troublemakers.

The Chorley-based Woodford Group has announced plans to build 180 new houses on the site with a new entrance off York Street.

The scheme will mean the site being decontaminated after years of industrial use.

Woodford also plan to landscape parts of the area to improve the overall look of the site.

The developers say the scheme has been widely discussed with residents at a series of meetings held towards the end of last year, and the plans have received support from the local community. Chris Garner, senior land manager at Woodford, has been overwhelmed by the support.

He said: "The timing has been perfect. The residents have all expressed concern over the state of the site and they are all united in the view that they dont want more industry or warehousing on their doorstep."

Colin Poxton, of the Dumers Lane Residents Association, said that the site needed urgent cleaning and bringing up to date.

"We are surrounded by industry, much of which is undeveloped," he said. "We complained about the smell and noise from UNIFI and the nearby chemical works. This site needs bringing into the 21st century - we do not want lorries.

"We are told that houses would be better elsewhere and we should expect industry. We are prepared to fight any plans that mean we get the wooden spoon again."

Plans are expected to go before Bury Council's planning department in the next few months.