Forced sale plan for empty houses

The owners of five empty properties in Grimsby town centre could be forced to sell up so they can be used as homes.

North East Lincolnshire Council wants to use compulsory purchase orders to take over the buildings, which it says are derelict, and refurbish them.

The council said the houses, in Ainslie Street, Highfield Avenue and Lambert Road, had been empty for a long time.

The authority's plan will be discussed at a two-day public inquiry at Grimsby town hall from 14 July.

The council described the five properties as "eyesores".

Council leader Andrew De Freitas said: "These properties deserve to be brought back into use for the good of the whole community in Park Ward.

"It's a proud area, but these properties are notable for their dereliction and build up of rubbish and waste materials.

"We will be supporting the government inspector in this inquiry and remain committed to bringing vacant properties across the borough back into use."