Empty properties tansformed into affordable homes (From Wirral Globe)

Empty properties tansformed into affordable homes

10:46am Thursday 7th February 2013 in News By Stephanie Cureton

EMPTY properties in Wirral have been transformed into affordable homes following a major revamp.

Wirral Council has secured around £2m of funding from the Homes and Communities Agency for a range of projects.

The authority aims to bring 765 empty properties back into use over the next three years.

Nine homes currently being refurbished will be put on the market soon.

Councillor George Davies, cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "It is great news that through officers' hard work and commitment, investment from the agency has been levered into Wirral and will support the local community, economy and housing market as well as providing employment opportunities."

Christine Hill, the agency's area manager, said one of its key priorities is to help tackle the issue of empty homes: "It's great to see plans come to fruition with the completion of these refurbished properties that will help transform Birkenhead and provide an improved housing offer for local people."

Refurbishment work is being carried out with the council’s "Build Wirral Project" promoting employment and training opportunities for local people in construction.

It involves two local trainees working in quantity surveying and joinery to gain practical, paid experience.

The current programme began at the end of September and is being carried out by Lockwoods Construction.

To report an empty property causing problems in your neighbourhood, call the Empty Property Hotline: 0151 691 8005.