By Lesley Richards.

A UNIQUE partnership is set to transform an eyesore estate - and pave the way for more investment in Leigh.

Lovell and Wigan Council have united to remodel the troubled Abbey Lane estate.

Eighteen council houses have been demolished to make way for the an extensive facelift of 66 former council houses.

It is hoped that newly-named Cherry Tree Garden development will set a precedent for future redevelopment in other areas of the borough.

Lovell's regional director, Paul Hulme, said: "The £2million scheme on completion will totally renew the area.

"Our partnership with the council will allow us to provide local people with the option to buy quality housing at affordable prices within an attractive environment.

"Leigh has massive potential to expand further - this is a great opportunity for us to invest in the area."

A show house will be open to the public from the end of September where customers can view the revamped accommodation on offer.

Mr Hulme added: "Now is a very exciting time for Leigh. The area has traditionally been ignored by developers in the past who feared that investment would not be viable.

"Lovell has identified the potential in Leigh and is proud to be instrumental in the town's continuing expansion programme."

Wigan's director of housing, Peter Gee, said: "During the past two years the council has been implementing a strategy to rehouse tenants in preparation for the start of building work, and subsequently the estate has become a real eyesore.

"Now we can look forward to a positive future for Cherry Tree Gardens. We welcome the partnership with Lovell and hope to maintain a mutually beneficial long-standing relationship."