1:30pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Suruchi Sharma
Residents are being asked to report houses left empty in the Bushey area to cut down crime and tackle homelessness.
Hertsmere Borough Council is working to bring properties back into use which have been empty for six months or more.
The aim is to provide additional housing and reduce homelessness, reduce the need for new developments and cut down on crime and vandalism attracted by empty properties.
Councillor Hannah David, housing and planning portfolio holder, said: "There are clear economic and social benefits to bringing empty homes back into use so we have developed a strategy and action plan to deal with the problem.
"This will include keeping a database of empty properties and also helping to prevent properties becoming empty in the first place.
"Properties become unoccupied for a variety of reasons but, what owners and landlords may not realise is, the council can help bring them back into use by providing advice as well as grants and loans for home improvements.
“In some cases, we can even help provide landlords with rent deposits if they can provide a home for someone who is on our priority housing list."
If you know of any empty properties or you have an empty property and want to discuss your options contact the housing department on 020 8207 2277 or email housing@hertsmere.gov.uk.
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