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The investment follows a comprehensive study of the housing market in the area which confirmed residents' views that the neighbourhoods have a strong future.

Manchester City Council's executive has approved a series of plans for the investment aimed at building on existing strengths and making sure the communities remain sustainable.

Proposals include spending on existing housing where the market is relatively strong to upgrade homes, deal with empty properties and improve the environment.

New projects such as a neighbour nuisance initiative, youth action, community caretaking projects and measures to help residents feel more secure in their own homes will be funded to the tune of ?1.3m.

There will also be action to deal with landlords who mismanage their properties and councillors are to ask the government to make the area a pilot site to improve standards in the private rented sector.

Detailed studies will be undertaken to decide the future of the Albine, Cole and Pym Streets off Moston Lane and the two small blocks of housing on Cobden and Dalbeattie Street including some demolition.

A radical renewal project involving a partnership with a housing association in the Orchid Street area off Rochdale Road in Harpurhey is also being considered.

Councillor Basil Curley, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Housing, said: "The council's strategy seeks to build on the existing strengths in the area. We will work with the community to consult very closely on proposals for investment.

"We recognise the need to tackle poor landlords and will be pressing the Secretary of State to allow us to introduce an early scheme for licensing private landlords in the north Manchester regeneration area."

MP for Blackley Graham Stringer, said: "I welcome the council's announcement on its strategy for housing in the area. There have been many rumours about widespread demolition. The council's statement makes it clear that this will not happen.

"I have always been convinced that the area has a long term future. Residents are committed to the area which is well located and which has, in terms of parks, transport, leisure and shopping, good facilities.

"The area is being undermined by unscrupulous landlords and bad tenants who have no place in the long term future. I want to see them driven out."