A BURNLEY Councillor has backed plans to make Compulsary Purchase Orders on 11 'eyesore home'.

The council made the move under Vacant Property Initiative and Empty Homes Programme to take over and renovate the long-term vacant properties, one of which has been empty for 17 years.

Over the past 10 years more than 120 properties have been acquired and refurbished by the council as part of the scheme.

The latest set of properties include sites in Wren Street, Briercliffe Road, Cleaver Street and Piccadilly Road.

Cllr Sobia Malik represents the Bank Hall ward on the council where several of the properties are said it is 'good news' for the area.

She said: "I'm really pleased the council is continuing to take action to tackle these houses.

"I'm pleased for the residents, it would be terrible to live next to one of these properties.

"They can be an eyesore for people in the area."

Council bosses said the cost for purchasing each home varies, but they estimate they spend around £25,000 to £30,000 renovating each property.

So far around ‘£3million’ has been spent renovating homes, which have gone on to be sold and the money has gone back into their pot for future sites.