MORE than 100 empty properties in Pendle could be made into homes again thanks to a £1.33million Government windfall.

Councillors at the executive meeting on Thursday will discuss the new loan scheme and make a decision on the recommendation to adopt it for Pendle. Council leader Joe Cooney said: “The money has to be targeted to tackle areas badly affected by empty houses.

“Once these homes are brought up to scratch, they’ll provide decent homes for well over 300 people.”

The areas in Pendle worst affected by empty homes which could be tackled by the new scheme are the Railway Street area of Brierfield, Waterside in Colne’s south valley and the Bradley and Southfield areas of Nelson.

Paul Lloyd, from the housing standards team at the council, said: “If agreed, we can offer loans from February 1 to anyone who owns a property in one of these four areas. So long as it has been empty for more than six months.” Call 01282 661029 for details.