MP Andy Burnham has welcomed news that the borough's council homes are to receive a second major cash boost.

The Government confirmed that a further £79 million is to be made available to Wigan & Leigh Homes in the next two financial years to bring all council homes up to modern standards.

The new allocation is in addition to the £58 million already invested over the last two years -- which has seen tenants benefit from new roofs, fences and kitchens.

The extra funding will ensure that all tenants will receive improvements to their council homes.

Up to £137 million will have been spent from 2002 to 2006 -- the second largest amount of investment in the country.

Mr Burnham said: "For years, council homes in our area were starved of funding for basic up-keep and maintenance. Generations of local politicians fought for decent homes for all in this area.

"It is a source of great pride to me that this Government is making that long-held goal a reality. This huge investment in our communities will bring benefits for decades to come. It is yet more evidence that Labour is listening and delivering for the people of Leigh."