A COUNCIL is calling on housing authorities to buy up a “shocking” property which has become the target of vandals and vermin amid fears it has become a health hazard.

The house on the Ashlands estate in Northallerton has not been lived in for at least five years and has become run down and dilapidated. But it’s understood the house is privately owned, and the owner cannot be contacted.

Now Northallerton town council is calling on Broadacres, the housing association, which has nearly 6,0000 properties in the region, to compulsory purchase the house so it can be repaired and maintained.

Cllr Paul Atkin told the town council: “Really is in a shocking state this place, and it has been like this for a long, long time. There have been reports of vermin in the house and the roots of trees are out of control because nothing is being done to look after the place.

“We need to ask Broadacres to use their powers of compulsory purchase to buy this property because it is not going to get any better. It is on a housing estate in the centre of the town and it needs to be sorted out.”

The council agreed unanimously to approach Broadacres to officially ask them to intervene and neighbours in Ashlands Road applauded the council’s decision.

“It really is time something was done,” said one long term resident.

“It’s become a magnet for vandals and vermin, the windows have been broken several times, kids throw stones and go in there, and have even tried to start fires. No one has lived there for at least five years.”

A spokesman for Broadacres said: “We are aware of the issues and very much share the town council’s concerns as to the impact the property is having on the neighbourhood.

“Unfortunately, we do not have the powers to compulsory purchase the dwelling but we are liaising closely with Hambleton Borough Council with regard to the issues.”