New powers used on empty houses

Action by a Derbyshire council over empty properties shows it is serious about tackling such problems, the authority has said.

Amber Valley Borough Council moved to use new powers on houses in Somercotes and Ripley which had fallen into disrepair and were attracting vandals.

Officials said the Empty Dwelling Management Orders had forced the owners to repair or sell the properties.

They urged anyone who faced a similar problem to get it touch.

Safer communities

The council said that at any one time there were between 800 and 900 properties in the area that had been empty for six months or more.

Norman Bull from the council emphasised they only used the orders after attempts to negotiate with the owners had failed.

He added: "Properties left empty for long periods of time are a blight on the local neighbourhood - they can attract anti-social behaviour and reduce the value of surrounding properties.

"Taking steps to bring them back into use not only transforms an eyesore property on the street and improves the local environment, but also helps make the community a safer place to live."