Published Friday 27 September 2019 at 9:54
An eyesore empty property that has been vacant since 2008 has been restored and is now occupied after Blackburn with Darwen Council took legal action.
As part of National Empty Homes week, which takes place this week (September 23 – 27), the Council is highlighting the work being done locally to bring empty properties back into use.
25 Walsh Street, Blackburn, had become subject to vandalism and fly tipping. The property’s windows and doors were either broken or boarded up and the back yard was filled with waste.
The Council took possession of the property following a compulsory purchase order (CPO) after numerous complaints from local residents about the state of the property and its negative impact on the area.
The property has now been completely transformed with new doors and windows. The interior has been fully redecorated and refurbished with brand new kitchen units and a three-piece bathroom suite.
Councillor Phil Riley, Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:
Empty properties attract vandalism and fly tipping which puts a negative impact on the neighbourhood. It is a priority to tackle these problems through enforcement action. The restoration of this property proves that it is possible to restore a building that seems beyond repair and bring positivity to the community.
Anyone wishing to report a problem empty property in their neighbourhood can email the Council’s Empty Properties Team, call 01254 585213, or visit the Council website.
