MEMBERS of the public can find out more about how Copeland Council tackles the problem of empty homes at a number of drop-in sessions next week.
The council is marking National Empty Homes Week (October 15 to 21) by hosting sessions in Whitehaven and Millom, where it is inviting residents to report empty homes, and learn more about the council’s role in bringing them back into use.
During 2017/18, Copeland Council’s dedicated Empty Homes Officer worked with more than 100 owners to encourage them to bring their long-term empty property back into use; this has resulted in 33 properties being lived in again.
Councillor Allan Holliday, Portfolio Holder for Strategic Housing, said: “Long-term empty properties can become a blight on the community, and our role is to identify the owners and work with them to develop a plan for their property; the aim being to repair it, sell it or rent it, all with a view to bringing it back into use as a home.
“We can assist as there are several options available and we encourage owners to get in touch to discuss what is on offer.
“At the same time, we’re encouraging members of the community to report long-term empty homes to us so we can ensure they are on our radar.”
The drop-in events take place at Copeland Council’s office at Market Hall, Whitehaven, daily from October 15 to 19 (10am to noon and 2pm to 4pm) and at Millom Network Centre on Tuesday, October 16 (11am to 3pm).
