More than 300 empty homes brought back into use

Over the last three years Telford and Wrekin Council has brought more than 300 empty houses back into use.

The local authority estimated one in 100 homes in the area was empty and it wanted to "tackle the issue of problematic properties standing empty for too long".

It has been working to help property owners bring some back into use and has bought 81 of the homes, which it has used to support vulnerable residents.

So far it has been able to reopen 312 and has a target of reaching 375 by the summer of 2026.

Richard Overton, the councillor responsible for housing, said: "Long-term empty properties serve no purpose.

"Often, they are unkept, fall into disrepair and can attract fly tipping and anti-social behaviour."

In most cases the council's Empty Property Team has offered advice and support to property owners, pointing them towards potential sources of funding.

It has also helped people who have inherited properties to bring them back into use.

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