Focus put on empty homes problem

A strategy to try to get empty homes back into use has been approved by officials in Leicestershire.

The council said there were more than 1,300 empty properties in the North West district - enough to accommodate all the people on its waiting list.

These houses cost an estimated £6,000 a year in lost revenue and repair costs, as well as hitting nearby house values.

The initiative will offer help to areas with lots of empty properties, and give advice and renovation grants to owners.

While some empty properties are well-maintained, others attract vandalism, graffiti, littering, fly tipping, vermin and anti-social behaviour, officials said.

This means neighbouring properties can be devalued by as much as 18%.

Councillor John Bridges, the council portfolio holder for the environment, said: "If we could bring back into use all the properties in the district that are currently vacant we can create more homes and reduce the need to build on greenfield sites.

"As well as those on the council's waiting list, there are many more people in the district wanting to buy or rent houses privately."