A previously boarded-up property in Braunstone Town that had once been a beacon for vandals, squatters and rats, has been brought back into use.

Blaby District Council sold 3 Narborough Road South to local developers Teresa and Nathan Evans.

The couple who own Brown and Green ltd have since refurbished the house and new tenants have moved in.

Teresa said:

“We tend to look for properties that are a bit different and unusual, that have history and offer a challenge. This house certainly ticked all those boxes. We were aware it had been derelict for a long time, and were surprised that despite this the property was in a relatively good condition from a structural point of view.

“We had to use a flashlight to look round it as the house had been boarded up, and there were some rooms that we were unable to go into. Lots of it was untouched with old furniture and 1950s wallpaper, and we’ve managed to salvage some of the original features such as three of the fireplaces.”

The house became the Council’s property through the use of a Compulsory Purchase Order in June this year.

Cllr Guy Jackson, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood and Environmental Services at Blaby District Council, said:

“This former eyesore was simply standing empty and was having a detrimental effect on residents. It’s fantastic to see the property part of the community once again, and returned to a habitable condition.”

Blaby District Council has a pot of funding available to bring empty properties back into use.

The maximum amount of funding available per property is a grant or (0% interest) loan of up to £10,000 dependent on circumstances and subject to inspection by a council officer.

The funding is available to address disrepair issues and redecoration at the property, and bring the property up to a let-able standard.

For more information visit www.blaby.gov.uk/emptyhomes, email emptyhomes@blaby.gov.uk or call the grants and loans department on 0116 272 7536