Empty Ellesmere properties to be brought back into use

Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council is asking its residents to tell them of any empty properties in their area that are blighting the neighbourhood.

There are more than 150 private properties in the borough that have been empty for over 12 months. These properties are at risk of vandalism and can quickly become eyesores, as well as rapidly losing the value.

In their new Private Housing Renewal Strategy the council has identified bringing empty housing and obsolete commercial premises back into residential use as a priority.

Stan Ellison, the council's project officer, said: "We offer practical advice to owners of empty homes about how they can bring their properties back into use. We offer three types of financial assistance to modernise empty properties.

"An equity loan of up to £30,000 is available if extensive repairs are needed; a grant up to £1,000 to help towards more minor works or a conversion grant to cover 50 per cent of the cost of sub-dividing a large property into several dwellings".

The council encourages owners of empty properties to consider living in the property, renting it out, leasing the property through a letting agent or housing association, or simply selling the property on the open market or to a property developer.

However, the council has said it will take action against owners who do not co-operate with the council to improve their properties and bring them back into use.