EMPTY homes are being brought back into use across Middlesbrough as renovation work has started on 100 properties that have stood vacant for a long time.

Middlesbrough Council is working with property owners on the scheme, which has been boosted by a £1.3m grant from the Homes and Communities Agency to help towards renovation costs.

Further funding will become available for work between 2015 and 2018, and the Council is looking for owners to come forward and discuss their circumstances.

Councillor Charlie Rooney, the council’s executive member for regeneration, said: “Owners can find themselves with an empty property for a wide variety of reasons.

“If they remain empty in the longer term these can become wasted assets, cause nuisance and problems for neighbours, increase the risk of crime and anti-social behaviour and lead to a poor perception of a neighbourhood.

“Without intervention this can become a vicious circle for owners, neighbours and wider community as the cost to get them back into use spirals.

“That’s why we want to work with owners to help make their housing assets work for them by assisting them to bring them back into use.

“I’m delighted that our officers’ efforts have enabled us to access funding which is enabling us to renovate 110 long-term empty properties in the town.

“We also have a number of different products available to assist in the process, as well as links with supportive managing agents and access to advice services.

“Officers from our Housing Team are also available to discuss the individual home owner’s circumstances to ensure an appropriate approach to bringing as many of these homes as possible back into circulation.”

For more information or inquiries Middlesbrough Council’s Housing Team can be contacted on 01642-729124.