1,200 empty homes in North Somerset "a disgrace"

12.00.00am GMT Wed 25th Nov 2009

Local Liberal Democrat Parliamentary Candidate, Mike Bell is calling for more action to bring empty properties in North Somerset back into use.

Mr Bell's call has come at the start of the National Week of Action on empty homes, organised by the Empty Homes Agency.

As the number of estimated empty homes across the UK tops the one million mark for the first time in more than a decade, he described the situation as "a disgrace".

Mr Bell said: "Neither Government or local councils are doing enough to bring long term empty properties back into use. Here in North Somerset, there were over 1,200 empty properties at the last count in 2008, and the figures are still rising.

"Getting more of these properties back into use would have a real impact of families in desperate need of decent housing now. Instead of trying to force through unrealistic plans for 12,000 new houses in and around Weston, Government and local councils should concentrate more on bringing empty properties back into use.

"Getting an empty home back into use costs a fraction of the price of building a new home, and saves on carbon emissions too. Housing needs in North Somerset could be significantly eased by a concerted effort to turn empty properties into homes."