A PLAN to demolish some of Bury's worst housing and breathe new life into the Pimhole area of the town has been given the go-ahead.

More than 130 homes around Ingham Street are earmarked for demolition to make way for between 60 and 80 new properties.

The regeneration programme is one of the biggest to be undertaken by Bury Council and could require the use of compulsory purchase orders. Also included in the scheme are sections of Nuttall Street, Oxford Street, Wilson Street and Openshaw Street.

Owners of unfit homes not scheduled for demolition, on parts of Benson Street and Nuttall Street, could be served with notices to improve properties.

The proposals were approved at a meeting of Bury's executive committee, and will go before the full council on May 12.