PROPOSALS to seize and sell off empty and derelict properties could put an end to numerous blights across the borough.

Councillors are to vote on proposals to set up an ‘enforced sales procedures’ to prevent properties lying empty, creating a decline in neighbourhoods and attracting anti-social behaviour, crime, fly tipping and arson.

The number of empty houses and businesses in Hyndburn currently stands at 2,000 and has been such a problem a specialist council officer was hired last year specifically to tackle the issue.

However lengthy delays with court actions and issuing compulsory purchase orders are hindering the campaign to clean up the borough.

Council officers who have prepared a report on a need for the new seizure service claim that in extreme cases derelict properties can affect the housing market of an entire area.

The aim of the scheme is to seize properties from landlords or owners who have allowed homes to fall into a neglected state and to sell them on to new owners with whom there is a greater likeliood it will be refurbished and inhabited.

Councillor Peter Clarke, who oversees environmental issues, said the enforced sales procedure takes just 10 months and is much quicker and easier to implement than compulsory purchase orders, which can take up to two years.

He said: “They are a blot on the area and it is a priority to make sure they are taken out of the hands of people who have allowed them to fall into a neglected state and cause problems for neighbours.

“We also often find that where owners owe the council money in some form, such as unpaid tax, clean up or court costs and this is an effective way to recoup the costs.”

Cases where the new powers would be used include properties where council-owed debts on the property exceed £500 and the property is vacant. However, the council has some powers to seize properties with lower debts if it is a derelict property causing significant neighbourhood problems and the owner is missing or uncooperative.

Properties which can be seized will either be put up for auction, sold to a social landlord, or put up for sale by contract, with any monies owing to the council discharged out of the proceeds.

Councillors will vote on the proposals at the next meeting of the cabinet, on Thursday July 1. Anyone concerned about an empty property can report the problem to the council on 01254 388 111 or visit strat@hyndburnbc.gov.uk.