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Work will start on a new complex of 78 modern two-bedroom flats on land off Rochdale Road less than three miles from Manchester's retail, leisure and commercial hub.

Properties are expected to be popular with workers unable to pay central Manchester's spiralling property prices but keen to have easy access to pubs, clubs and restaurants

Politicians have welcomed the development which is in line with hopes to regenerate the area making it more attractive to home owners and prevent young people moving elsewhere when they first fly the nest.

The homes, being built by developers Bellway, will have central heating, double glazing and fully-fitted, tiled kitchens and the complex will boast communal gardens.

Electronically operated gates will provide added security for access and parking for the complex to be known as Chapel Court.

Sales director Patsy Aicken, said: "Chapel Court is a superbly placed development offering easy access to local shops and the M60 ringroad for Manchester city centre.

"We expect the development to prove a real hit with first-time buyers."

The first homes are expected to be available in late summer.