Eyesore buildings in Walsall to be taken over by council in bid to sell them on

The derelict properties across the borough will be obtained through voluntary negotiations or compulsory purchase powers.

They will then be sold on at auction in a bid to get them spruced up and re-occupied, removing a blight on the community.

The council will use funds under the New Homes Bonus, which currently stands at more than £310,000, with funds made through sales of dwellings recycled into the programme.

The authority has taken similar steps on 14 other long-term empty homes previously.

These are at 136 Broadway, Walsall, 178 Prince Street, Pleck; 25 Phoenix Rise, Darlaston; 24 Meadow Road, Aldridge; 226 Queslett Road, near Great Barr and 99 Collingwood Drive, Pheasey.

Others being targeted are 61 Thames Road, Bloxwich; 35 Rowland Street, Walsall; 1 Greadier Street, Willenhall; 5 and 6 Gordon Street, Darlaston; 51 - 51a and 55 Birmingham Street, Willenhall, along with 2 Walsingham Street, Walsall.

A report from David Lockwood, housing lead at Walsall Council, says: "Since April 2014, officers have continued to identify and tackle further properties which remain empty in the long term.

"The council has sought via repeated approaches to either registered owners or by leaving correspondence at the property.

"These properties have on average been empty for over five years and despite officers' best efforts, the owners have failed to take the steps required of them.

"As a result, officers now feel that acquisition of the properties, via compulsory purchase if necessary, is the only remaining option."

If a compulsory purchase order becomes necessary, officers will continue to try to work with the owners to ensure the property can be brought back into use. If works are carried out by the owner then the authority will consider removing the order.

The report adds: "Empty dwellings typically attract neighbourhood complaints about matters such as accumulations of rubbish, rodent infestations, overgrown gardens and unsecured premises, all issues that can potentially negatively impact upon the health and wellbeing of the public.

"Bringing empty homes back into use will help towards improving the environment and amenity of the local areas."