ST HELENS Council is urging empty property owners to help bring homes back into use.

The call comes ahead of this year’s National Empty Homes Week (November 30 to December 6). The initiative aims to raise awareness of the potential of empty homes to meet housing needs - and devise and promote sustainable solutions that bring vacant homes back into use.

St Helens Council prioritises homes left empty for more than six months, which can attract vandals and fly tippers and quickly become an eyesore or safety hazard and tries to negotiate with owners - offering advice and support where appropriate.

Cabinet member for transport, housing and community safety, Cllr Richard McCauley said: “A property may be empty for several reasons, including local market turnover, refurbishment or probate issues. However, our focus is on those properties that have been empty for six months or more - or where they are negatively impacting others.”

For more information go to www.sthelens.gov.uk/emptyproperties. Owners of vacant properties call Amie Glover on 01744 673473 or email emptyhomes@sthelens.gov.uk.

For information on the Empty Homes Agency and National Empty Homes go to www.emptyhomes.com.