Enderby residents, along with others in Blaby District are being encouraged to report empty homes in their area in a bid to bring them back into use as part of Empty Homes Week.
National Empty Homes Week 2017 runs from the 16th to 22nd October.
Every year local authorities, housing providers, community-led organisations and others see Empty Homes Week as an opportunity to organise events and put out information so that people know about their work to tackle empty homes.
After six months of being left empty, properties are classed as a Long Term Empty (LTE.)
Over the last two years over 250 LTEs that were previously dormant have been transformed to become homes with the work of officers at Blaby District Council.
Properties become LTEs for many reasons, including family disputes, renovation costs or the death of an owner.
Empty homes are at high risk of both deterioration and vandalism the longer they remain unoccupied.
Work to give these homes a new lease of life ensures more houses are available, and benefits the local community.
LTEs reported to the Council are assessed and attempts are made to engage the property’s owner. While most only need advice, some enforcement action has been taken to get the houses into use.
Councillor Iain Hewson, Portfolio Holder for Health Improvement, Leisure & Regulatory Services, said:
“Reviving empty homes is a national priority and I’m proud that we’ve been able to help so many desperately needed properties become available again.
“We try and work with the owners of properties to bring them back into use, but we will take enforcement action if we need to. Some properties are in very poor condition and it’s unfair on local residents to endure these houses in their area.”
Residents concerned about an empty home, or owners who would like help can visit www.blaby.gov.uk/emptyhomes or call 0116 275 0555 for more information.