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Duchess Road due to go uphill

The two streets were filmed by the Panorama programme last year and portrayed as typical in an area where properties were valued below the price paid for them 10 years ago.

Residents in the area were outraged by the suggestion that Crumpsall, a popular district with successful schools, good transport links, vibrant churches and active community groups, was in terminal decline.

The programme inspired the launch of crumpsall.net back in July last year to show the world the community was fighting fit and the website gradually expanded to become northmanchester.net.

Now the two streets are to be targeted by Manchester City Council for a major overhaul under a new policy to tackle areas in need of sprucing up before they fall into decline.

Grants have been promised to owner occupiers to improve their properties and there will be continued performance monitoring of the programme under the council's Best Value programme.

There will also be environmental improvements and neighbour nuisance and anti-social behaviour orders will be issued against those who make life a misery for others.

A home improvement and repairs advice service is also being set up to help private landlords and owner occupiers maintain their properties to a high standard.

The announcement has come after last week's visit by local government minister Hilary Armstrong who toured the area with city council leader and Crumpsall councillor Richard Leese.

Cllr Leese said: "This is an area with a tremendous future. The local amenities, schools, library, leisure centre and public transport links are second to none. Through this new initiative, we intend to work with residents and others to ensure a thriving neighbourhood."