Pictured: Laneside, Shorrock Lane, Blackburn.
Published Wednesday 14 August 2019 at 16:10
Two longstanding empty properties that have been a blight on the community are to be brought back into use after Blackburn with Darwen Council took legal action.
The Council took possession of the two properties following compulsory purchase orders (CPOs) on Monday, August 12.
22 Charlotte Street, Blackburn, a mid-terraced house, has stood empty for over 24 years and is in need of major repairs.
It will be marketed for sale in the coming weeks and prospective buyers will be invited to make offers through an estate agent.
Laneside, Shorrock Lane, Blackburn, has been left empty for over 10 years and is also in serious disrepair. The empty building became a target for vandalism, fly tipping and anti-social behaviour.
Negotiations are underway with a local housing association to provide new build affordable family accommodation on the site following demolition of the current building.
Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
Empty properties attract fly-tipping, crime, arson and nuisance. It is a priority to tackle these problems through enforcement action as part of the wider effort to improve neighbourhoods and support the residents living near these derelict properties.
Councillor Julie Gunn said:
It is great news to see the Council taking ownership of Laneside, and also that the Council is working with a provider that will be in a position to provide new housing on the site.
This derelict building has blighted the lives of residents living in the surrounding streets for many years and it will be good to see an end to the associated problems of vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Anyone wishing to report a problem empty property in their neighbourhood can email the Council’s Empty Properties Team or call 01254 585213.
