Council's action plan for empty properties in Neston

May 7 2008 by Lorna Hughes, Neston News

NESTON residents are being asked to let the borough council know of any empty properties in their area that are blighting the neighbourhood.

Ellesmere Port and Neston Council is keen to work with residents to try to eradicate the problem of empty homes which can create a nuisance for many communities.

There are more than 150 private properties in the borough that have been empty for over 12 months.

The council says these properties are at risk of vandalism and can quickly become eyesores, as well as rapidly losing value.

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

Project officer Stan Ellison said: “We offer practical advice to owners of empty homes about how they can bring their properties back into use.

“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 is encouraging owners of empty properties to consider living in the property, renting it out, leasing the property or selling it on the open market or to a property developer.

For further information or to report an empty property please contact Stan Ellison on 0151 356 6472 or e-mail stan.ellison@epnbc.gov.uk