Cabinet councillors last night agreed to continue with plans to drive down the number of long term empty properties in Eastbourne. In a far reaching strategy the covers the next four years, direct action will aim to bring properties back into use and break the links with the social problems in communities that vacant homes of this type create.
Since the appointment of an Empty Property Officer and introduction of the Council cross service Difficult Properties Group, in 2008/2009 118 empty properties in Eastbourne were returned to use and that figure rose to 134 in 2009/2010.
Cabinet portfolio holder for Community, Councillor Margaret Bannister, said, “It is well known that issues like fly tipping, anti social behaviour, petty crime and many other unwelcome problems soon follow when some homes become empty. While there is no room for complacency, the strategy officers are following is getting the results needed and also reducing the number of properties that become empty in the first place.”
Good quality housing supports the key council priority of developing safe, healthy and thriving communities. Across Eastbourne there are many examples of where previously vacant and near derelict homes have been completely transformed.
Claire Mason and her children moved into their new home after Eastbourne Borough Council and working partners carried out extensive improvement work on the property in HampdenPark.
Claire said, “We love our home and couldn’t be happier here. I was aware that the property had been empty for sometime and was obviously delighted when the Council managed to return it to its former glory!”
Councillor Bannister added, “It is wonderful to see Claire and her family so happy in a super family home. This property is a great example of how a more coordinated approach between key stakeholders can deliver really positive results. The Empty Property Officer and partners overcame a number of major challenges in their work returning this house to a habitable condition.”
