EMPTY and derelict houses are to be tackled to improve Teesside neighbourhoods.

There are estimated to be 1,600 empty private homes around Stockton and, as part of Action on Empty Homes Week next week, the borough council wants to bring as many back into use as possible.

Residents are urged to contact the council with any information about properties that have been empty for some time, so its urban renewal team can take action.

The team would like to talk to the owners of empty properties, to offer advice and assistance in bringing the homes back into use.

Councillor Paul Kirton, the council's cabinet member for housing and community safety, said: "We want to reduce the number of empty properties and need people to tell us where they are."

To report an empty property, contact Daniel O'Hara on (01642) 526577 or log onto www.stockton.gov.uk for further details.