A CAMPAIGN is underway to breathe new life into vacant properties.

Durham County Council is promoting the support available to people interested in buying empty properties.

About 2.7 per cent of homes in County Durham are empty, and the council is working to tackle the problem and help meet the local housing need.

The authority has employed three additional members of staff for the scheme.

A new online reporting facility is being launched today so members of the public can report empty properties as soon as they see them by placing a pin in an online map.

They can also remain anonymous and upload photographs if they wish.

When the team receives a referral, officers will arrange to visit the property and feedback their findings to customers within two weeks of the enquiry.

Financial assistance is available to bring long-term empty properties back into use, including a move-in grant of £5,000 for someone wishing to buy an empty home to live in, as well as a £15,000 interest free repayment loan to assist with renovation costs.

Councillor Kevin Shaw said: “Not only are empty homes a loss of valuable housing, but they can impact on our local communities by attracting fly-tipping and anti-social behaviour and bringing down property prices.

“We are reducing the number of vacant homes.”